Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/9150763.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M, Multi
  Fandom:
      Naruto
  Relationship:
      Orochimaru/OC/Uchiha_Sasuke
  Character:
      Orochimaru_(Naruto), Uchiha_Sasuke, Original_Character
  Additional Tags:
      Drama, Romance, Violence, Hurt/Comfort
  Series:
      Part 1 of The_Serpent's_Child
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-01-01 Completed: 2017-01-12 Chapters: 27/27 Words: 40529
****** The Serpent's Child ******
by Hedari
Summary
     "Love comes in different forms. Who are you to say that my love is
     wrong? Who are you to say that I live in an illusion? You don't know
     anything. If it's meant to, I can live with my eyes closed forever."
     Is there a line between love and obsession? Answers are difficult to
     find...
Notes
     Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor the characters from it. I do not
     make any money from the writing of this story.
***** Beloved *****
'Mother! Father!' I screamed, taking a few steps back towards the door. My
house was on fire.
A tear rolled down my cheek - I couldn't hear their voices anymore. They were
gone.
The wooden ceiling, engulfed in flames, fell to the floor and I ran outside,
shaking in fear. Not only my home, but the whole village was burning – it was
attacked. I didn't know who did this and I didn't care. My family...
Panting heavily, I glanced back. Just a few moments ago everything was fine.
And now... They're dead. No one can bring them back.
I fell on the cold ground crying and looked around – the streets were in chaos.
People were shouting and fighting around me, but they looked blurred and
unimportant.
Why... Why did they have to die? They weren't even shinobi! They never said a
word against another village, so why did they have to die?!
I sobbed even harder, clutching my head in despair. I have nothing left. I
should just die too...
'What a pitiful sight...'
I flinched at the cold hissing voice and lifted my eyes to see a man smirking
at me. Everything around me died down, or at least so it seemed. My orbs
widened and a gasp escaped my lips – who was he? I have never seen him before.
Even then, to my childish mind, he looked majestic and powerful - long onyx
black hair was falling gently on his very pale graceful face while his snake-
like golden eyes with black slits, piercing down my very soul, gazed at me
playfully. My hands shivered slightly so I hid them behind my back – I couldn't
take my eyes away from him. He put me under his spell in an instant. I felt
like I was seeing the death itself.
The man chuckled at my surprised reaction and leaned in slightly, so his face
was in line with mine. My jaw hit the ground – his unhuman but charming
features made me hold my breath, as if something was going to happen. It
already did – just the fact that I met him was somehow intoxicating.
'What's your name, child?'
'M..Ma...' I stuttered quietly, feeling sweat form on my forehead. My cheeks
were blushing, only to make the mysterious man's smirk grow wider. 'M-Manami
Kato, s-sir.'
His enchanting eyes searched for something in my face, and I gulped shyly,
lowering my head.
'Look at me when I'm talking to you,' the stranger hissed quietly before
gripping my chin firmly and turning my eyes back to him. 'Where are you
parents?'
My eyes were getting teary again and I just did my best not to sob in front of
him. It didn't feel like the right thing to do.
'T-They... T-They just died in f-fire...' I muttered in a barely hearable
voice, but the man heared me, because he smirked again.
Why was he smirking? I couldn't understand.
'I see. How old are you?'
'S-Six years old, sir,' I answered truthfully, wondering why was he asking all
these questions.
Was he going to kill me? Even if a minute ago I wanted to die, a fear suddenly
got stuck in my throat – no, I don't want to die yet. I don't want to die..!
The man kept staring at me, as if reading my wish to live – I felt like he
could understand my deepest secrets. There was no such thought that I could
hide from him.
'Very well,' he hissed again. 'My name is Orochimaru. Do you want to come with
me?'
My eyes widened.
'C-Come with y-you...?'
Orochimaru let out a devilish laugh, but at that moment it sounded like the
kindest voice ever. I gazed at him, amazed. Was he really going to take me
in..?
'Yes. Or do you want to die here, like those pathetic people...?'
The man looked around emotionlessly and I followed his eyes. He was right –
there were many injured people around, even those who weren't shinobi. My body
froze, seeing all of them writhe in pain. Why... Why did all of this have to
happen?
'N-No. I don't want to die...'
I felt my hand getting clasped by Orochimaru's slender fingers. I looked up to
see him smirking smugly – all of a sudden he licked his lips and his ultra long
tongue showed up. Who was he...?
'Don't worry, my child. I will take good care of you from now on,' he told me,
leading my way slowly through all the dying people.
'Y-Yes, Orochimaru-sama.'
He chuckled again.
'You learn very fast, dear. Now let's go.'
Nodding slightly, I just followed. The truth was that I was fascinated by him.
He looked like the brightest flash of hope, even if surrounded by complete
darkness. I would follow him anywhere.
'From today on your life belongs to me, understood, Manami-chan?'
'Yes, Orochimaru sama... My life belongs to you.'
*** *Six years later* ***
I stared at the mirror, fixing the obi on my waist – it was pure red while my
kimono was deep violet with silver floral pattern. I loved wearing it, because
Orochimaru-sama admired it once. He said it matched my eyes perfectly.
Why did the master treat me so well? I couldn't understand. There was nothing
special around me – my shape wasn't curvy yet, my eyes had this annoying dark
purple shade in them and my hair... Well, that was probably my most precious
thing. It was plain black and long, almost reaching my waist. It reminded me so
much of Orochimaru-sama...
I smiled to myself when a memory flashed in my mind. That night my master told
me that I would grow into a beautiful woman. That night he kissed me for the
very first time. I would never be able to forget it.
I wish nothing more than to be beautiful for him.
Brushing my hair a few times, I left my room. The halls were gloomy and dark,
but I wasn't afraid of them anymore. If Orochimaru-sama wanted them to be like
that, let it be this way.
I entered my master's work room and sat at the chair on the left, next to him.
He let out a quiet hiss when I appeared by himself and quickly snaked his arm
around me – nothing made me more comfortable than that. Kabuto, sitting on the
right of my master, smirked at me but I ignored him. He was the only person I
found irritating in this hideout.
'When is your next vessel going to arrive, Orochimaru-sama?' I asked the man
silently.
He turned to me and licked his lips. He has been really happy nowadays, mostly
because of that Sasuke Uchiha. The way Orochimaru-sama adored him was a bit
displeasing – all he talked about was that boy. However, there was nothing I
could do.
'Soon, Manami-chan,' Orochimaru-sama answered before tightening his hold on my
waist. 'You do understand how important he is for me, right?'
I frowned to myself, making sure that my master wouldn't notice it.
'Yes... I understand.'
'Good. Seems like he is already here.'
I heard quick footsteps on the other side of the wall and glued my eyes to the
door. I wonder, what kind of boy that Sasuke is going to be?
***** The Flames *****
A boy with raven black hair and same coloured eyes came into the room. He was
no older than me probably. His pale face was emotionless, but the way he
suddenly glared at me made me shiver in discomfort – his eyes were filled with
grudge. Why? Why was he looking at me like that?
I shook my feelings away and glared at him in the same way before snuggling
closer to Orochimaru-sama's chest. I didn't like that Uchiha from the first
sight.
'Sasuke-kun...' My master hissed, saying the boy's name in some weird manner I
have never heard before. 'So you have finally come to me. You made a good
choice, definitely.'
I watched as Sasuke turned his eyes from me to Orochimaru-sama. His expression
didn't change at all. It didn't look like he was the one to follow my master's
rules – he didn't even bow down to him. How rude!
Kabuto seemed to be thinking the same thing, because he coughed silently, which
was quite an obvious sign for Uchiha to show his manners. But the boy ignored
him.
I glanced at Orochimaru-sama from the corner of my eye, expecting to see
disappointment written all over his face, or even anger, but there was no such
thing – he was smirking in pleasure and amusement. That surprised me. Was that
Uchiha really so special that my master would ignore his bad attitude? It's
something I have never seen before.
Frankly, it annoyed me to no end.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
'I came here only for power, Orochimaru. Don't make any wrong conclusions.'
What a strange sight. Such a young girl, about my age, snuggling to Orochimaru
like that. It didn't look like she was forced to do this, more like otherwise,
she clinged on him by her own will, like he was her salvation or something. It
made my stomach twist in disgust.
I glared at her intently. To be truthful, she was quite beautiful. Her long
silky hair was the same shade as Orochimaru's, but it didn't give that gloomy
feeling, it fit her well and made her look refined. The colour of her big eyes,
perfectly matching her porcelain skin, was something I have never seen before –
it was dark purple, like those soft clouds you can see in the sky when the sun
is setting. Her kimono was expensive, a true work of art.
The idea that she was so pretty only made me wonder more – why was she with a
lowlife like him? Was she just some kind of doll? Did he use a genjutsu on her?
I growled in annoyance – none of these things mattered to me. My only goal is
power.
My only goal is to kill him.
Hearing an evil chuckle, I looked back at Orochimaru.
'Very well, Sasuke-kun. How about a challenge to you, hmm?'
I narrowed my eyes at him. What did he have in mind? It doesn't matter though,
I will just do it. Nothing will stop me.
'I want you to fight Manami-chan.'
My eyes widened slightly.
** Manami's P.O.V **
I stared at my master, shocked by his words. He wants me to fight Uchiha? Why?
It's not like I can't fight – Orochimaru-sama himself has taught me a few
jutsus, but it was mostly Kabuto who was giving me ninja lessons. They both
said it was important for me to know how to defend myself, because the world
will swallow those who are weak. They are right and I did my best at training,
even if it didn't happen very often.
Me and Sasuke exchanged glances. Is he powerful? He probably is, if my master
chose him as the next vessel. But why do I have to fight him then?
Confused, I turned my eyes back to Orochimaru-sama, expecting to hear an
answer. He looked down at me, smirking. His hand stroked my back lightly and I
felt a blush creep on my cheeks – I just loved it when he touched me like that.
'Don't worry, my child,' he whispered to me. 'I just want to entertain myself.
Don't you want to see how strong Sasuke-kun is?'
I couldn't care less about it actually, but decided not to show my true
feelings.
'If you say so, Orochimaru-sama,' I replied him and pulled my body away from
his silky yukata. 'I guess I should get changed...'
'Don't,' the man hissed even quieter before looking me up and down hungrily. I
couldn't help but shudder at him. 'You can handle it this way.'
I could see his long tongue slurp almost unnoticeably.
'Hurry up and fight me,' Uchiha spat coldly before sending me a cocky smirk.
'Or are you scared, little girl?'
I gazed at him, unfazed by his impudent behavior, even if deep inside it made
me pissed. The only way to show him what I am made of was to fight him with
everything I've got.
Kabuto motioned for us to begin and Sasuke ran at me suddenly, taking out a
kunai and throwing it at me. I dodged it and made a few backflips, making sure
to keep a good distance between us.
The boy only smirked before grabbing another kunai from his pouch and coming at
me with intension to kill. I could see it clearly.
I reached for my weapons only to remember that I had no ninja tools with me – I
was in a kimono. This made me frown – the fight might get troublesome.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Does Orochimaru really expect her to catch up with me when she had no weapons
at all? How pathetic. All she could do was dodge and run away. I should just
end it now.
'Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!' I shouted before huge balls of flames shot from my
mouth straight to Manami.
Her eyes widened as I blew fire intently. She was going to lose for sure.
The smoke cleared away and I stared at the girl, expecting to see her on the
ground. But to my surprise, she wasn't. A thick shielf of black snakes was
covering her. My eyebrows furrowed.
'You're not as pitiful as you look after all.'
** Manami's P.O.V **
Damn that fire. I was never too friendly with it. I barely made it.
Quickly glancing at the Uchiha, I sighed, patting my kimono to clean it from
all the dust. There was no time to waste though.
'Mandara no Jin!' I yelled and a countless number of snakes crawled out of my
mouth, attacking Sasuke in an instant.
Soon he was buried by them. I sighed again and almost turned to leave, when a
sound of clash caught my attention.
Sasuke was making his way through all the serpents. His clothes were torn a bit
and there were a few scratches on his face – however, his determined and almost
spiteful expression told me he was far from giving up.
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
I let out a chuckle - their fight was amusing. Their skills were almost the
same, it was difficult to say who was stronger. I was expecting this.
They continued to fight hand in hand until I noticed that my Manami became
quite tired. She never had so much combat practising, so it was understandable.
I will make them spar more often.
'That's enough,' I announced and they stopped, panting heavily. 'Manami-chan,
you can leave now. Sasuke-kun, me and Kabuto will show you your room.'
I watched as my girl sent Sasuke-kun a death glare before pulling herself
gracefully and turning her face at me.
'As you wish, Orochimaru-sama.'
With these tender words she disappeared through the door, her head high.
Another small laugh escaped my lips – that only proved why I adored her so
much.
* Manami's P.O.V *
I groaned in displeasure, washing my sweaty face with ice cold water. Was
master disappointed in my fight? I wanted to beat Uchiha too, but I didn't
manage to. At least I didn't lose either.
My eyelids were growing heavy and I glanced at the clock – it was about ten in
the evening.
I went to my room and changed into my nightgown – it was a pure white dress
reaching my knees, nothing too fancy, but not cheap either. I wanted to feel
comfortable, but nice too.
A shiver run down my spine when a thought entered my mind. I put out the candle
in my room and left it quietly.
* Orochimaru's P.O.V *
'Orochimaru-sama... Would you mind letting me sleep with you tonight...?'
I stared deeply at the girl in front of me – she was sitting on my bed,
swinging her legs back and forth. A lustful hiss escaped my mouth and I licked
my lips in desire – the way Manami was here, right before my eyes, was too
alluring. Her delicate shoulders were bare, making them glow slightly in the
dim light, her developing figure... It was perfectly wrapped into the white
robe, which was soon going to be too tight for her. Her curves were becoming
more and more noticeable.
I ate Manami with my eyes, making her turn away in embarrassment – that only
turned me on even more. But not yet. It was still too early.
'Not at all, my dear,' I whispered, making sure that my breath tickled her ear
as I leaned in closer.
She moaned slightly under my touch. It was getting more and more difficult to
control myself.
I brought my bed covers back, letting her slip in. She did it with ease and
soon after I joined her too.
** Manami's P.O.V **
It wasn't the first time I was sleeping with my master. But this time was way
more warmer than before. It made me feel hot and a bit flushed.
My eyes closed as I put my head on Orochimaru-sama's hard chest. He was wearing
his robe, but I could feel his skin underneath. It made me excited.
As soon as the candle light died down, I opened my eyes slightly.
'Master...'
'Yes?'
He wasn't sleeping. His heartbeat was so calming...
'Do... D-Do you love me?'
Even now I could feel him smirk. That handsome curve on his lips I grew to love
so much.
'I already told you before. You're my precious possession,' he hissed and I
felt myself smile again. 'You can never belong to anyone else, you know that?'
I nodded, even if he couldn't see it. I know he felt it though.
'Good, Manami-chan,' he continued, before letting out a deep sigh. 'Because you
will never escape me. I won't let you live without me.'
I blinked tiredly. How did my master even get such a thought? Of course, the
only person in my mind will only be him. There was no doubt. I love him. I love
only him...
'I know, Orochimaru-sama. Good night.'
'Sweet dreams, my Manami-chan, sweet dreams...'
I fell into a deep sleep, feeling safe and happy in his arms.
***** Forbidden *****
'Orochimaru-sama...'
I knocked on his door a few more times before letting out a deep sigh. It had
been probably two days since the arrival of Sasuke. My master was more busy
than usual. All of this because of that kid.
'Orochimaru-sama is away. He will be back tomorrow.'
I glared at Kabuto who was leaning against the wall in front of me, smirking.
Oh how I would love to wipe that smirk off his face...
'Oh well, whatever...' I scoffed before turning away from him, as if deciding
to leave.
To say frankly, I had no idea where should I go. My master was gone and I was
totally bored. Moreover, it was only morning – the whole day and more without
seeing Orochimaru-sama! So unfair…
'Kabuto… Where are you going?' I murmured, gazing at my fingers as if they were
the most interesting things in the world.
The gray haired guy stared at me again, sending another smug smirk.
'Just going to train Sasuke-kun,' he explained me calmly before letting out a
small chuckle. 'Don't tell me you want to join me, Manami-chan?'
'What if I do?' I pouted at him. 'I can follow you if I want, you can't stop
me.'
Kabuto continued to stare at me, surprised and amused. He often wore this
expression around me. That's the only face I enjoyed getting from him.
'Sheesh, I wasn't even going to stop you,' he answered quietly. 'Well, let's go
before that Uchiha boy gets angry.'
He started walking and I just followed, keeping a distance between us. Uchiha
this Uchiha that… This was getting more and more annoying.
'Kabuto… What do you think about Sasuke?' I asked carefully. 'Don't you find
him irritating?'
'Why would I find him irritating?' The man wondered, not glancing at me even
once.
'Well...' I pondered, scratching my temple slightly. How should I put this?
'All Orochimaru-sama's attention belongs to that boy now. Doesn't this get on
your nerves… At least a bit?'
Kabuto chuckled again, this time quite loudly and I furrowed my eyebrows. What
was so funny?
'Are you jealous, Manami-chan?'
'Why should I be jealous? Don't be stupid.'
'Lies. I know you are,' he claimed and I could feel the sneer in his voice.
'You're jealous because Orochimaru-sama spends less time with you.'
'What a nonsense!' I snorted. 'I have no reason to be jealous. Seriously!
That's just silly!'
Another wave of laughter. I crossed my arms in embarrassment.
'Stupid Kabuto...'
We entered quite a big chamber in the catacombs. It was made special for
training. Just like the rest of the hideout, it was lit only by candles, making
it look cold and murky. I used to train here, too.
I gazed at the shadow standing in the middle – it was none other than Sasuke
Uchiha. He was already waiting with his hands shoved to the pockets. His back
was facing us, but as soon as we appeared, he turned around.
'Sorry for making you wait, Sasuke-kun,' Kabuto said gently, almost making me
vomit because of the sickly sweet tone. 'Manami-chan came too. You don't mind
her watching, do you?'
The raven haired boy kept glaring at us for a while, only to mumble quietly.
'I couldn't care less. Let's just start already.'
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami caught my attention as soon as she entered this room. It almost felt
like she was glowing in the darkness – her light blue yukata, decored with
pastel yellow leaf pattern and silver obi looked kind of refreshing. I couldn't
help but wonder why she always wear such formal clothes.
I glanced at the girl's face – her fiery violet eyes were shining, like the
time we met, and her dark hair was tied into a loose side ponytail. She
definitely looked good...
I remembered that day when we fought. She wasn't weak and that surprised me –
you wouldn't expect that from such a fragile looking girl. Orochimaru or Kabuto
probably taught her some things. Her moves were so graceful...
Just what am I thinking? That's stupid. I broke all my bonds to get there and
now I'm being an idiot...
'You're so anxious, Sasuke-kun,' Kabuto motioned with a smirk. 'Let's begin.'
I nodded and turned to him, leaving Manami who was sitting on the ground aside.
* Manami's P.O.V *
I yawned soundlessly, shuffling on the hard floor a bit. The training has been
going on for at least two hours already. How didn't they get tired?
I kept my eyes on the Uchiha boy. He was panting heavily, wiping blood away
from his chin. He was improving, even in my eyes. If this goes on, he will beat
me soon...
I frowned at this though. I should be glad about this though, because he will
become a better vessel for Orochimaru-sama. It was strange imagining that my
master will use Sasuke's body one day. Just somehow strange and I couldn't
understand why. Sasuke didn't seem so bad to me anymore, maybe because his
determination and struggle was inspiring. And respectable. I could already see
that he was trying very hard to become strong. Did I really just say something
so nice about him...? Oh well.
I suddenly got an idea and it made me smile. Maybe I should help him from now
on...? Not Uchiha, but Orochimaru-sama, of course. I will help my master get a
stronger vessel. Right... What should I start with?
I stared at Sasuke intently. After all, he looked tired and out of chakra,
that's understandable. What helps you recover your energy?
'Guys!' I shouted at loudly, making them stop and turn to me. 'Take a rest. I'm
going to prepare some tea.'
'I have no time for such stupid things,' Sasuke spat harshly and I instantly
regretted my decision to help him. What an annoying brat! 'I need to train.'
'How do you think you can keep on in such condition? You're barely standing on
your feet!' I insisted. 'Instead of being so stubborn, rest a bit, so you can
continue your training later.'
'She has a point, Sasuke-kun,' Kabuto added and walked to me, smiling. 'I'm
going to rest anyway. Tea with milk for me, Manami-chan.'
I groaned at him before leaving the chamber. Here goes my good will…
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Why was she suddenly so caring? I furrowed my eyebrows.
'What's wrong, Sasuke-kun?' Kabuto asked as I plopped on the floor a few feets
away from him.
'Nothing,' I said, before murmuring quietly. 'Why is she even in this hideout?
She isn't that strong. She doesn't even look like a shinobi. Does she have some
special bloodline limit or something?'
Kabuto chuckled and I glared at him.
'No, she doesn't have any.'
'Then why?' I repeated, getting annoyed from looking so curious. It's not like
I care though.
'Manami-chan is Orochimaru-sama's property.'
My glare stiffened.
'What do you mean with that?'
'Well… Orochimaru-sama took her in when she was little. He was somehow
interested in her,' Kabuto explained calmly. 'Manami-chan is quite attached to
the master. I believe he has some kind of task for this girl, but that's not
our business. Orochimaru-sama doesn't like anyone trying to find out too much
about her.'
I kept silent. Why would someone like Orochimaru keep Manami by his side? It
was definitely useful to him in some way. I wonder if she realizes this.
Soon the girl returned with a silver tray on her hands. A soft smile lit her
features.
Yes, restoring my energy is a good idea after all.
***** Eagerness *****
'Mmm, this is delicious, Manami-chan.'
I couldn't help but grin at Kabuto, who was smiling and praising my work. Even
if it was tea, I wanted to make it good.
I turned my head to Sasuke, but of course, he kept silent. I pouted.
'How is it, Uchiha?' I muttered to him, narrowing my eyes.
'Hn, whatever,' he answered before taking another sip. 'It's fine.'
I tilted my head to the side. Something wasn't right.
'Uchiha, you don't look good.'
It was true. His eyes suddenly became half-closed and he put the cup aside,
gripping his face. I could hear the heavy breathing coming from his mouth,
though he was resting for good ten minutes.
'Sasuke-kun?' Kabuto questioned, leaving his cup on the floor and coming closer
to the boy.
I watched wide eyed as Uchiha's head suddenly hit the ground with a bump. He
lost his consciousness.
'W-What happened?' I asked, feeling panic rise in my body. 'T-This is not
because of my tea… Is it?'
I gulped quetly as Kabuto kept checking him out. What if it's really because of
this drink? What if Uchiha is dead?! I didn't mean to kill him! Of course he is
annoying but I don't wish to see him lying on the ground, not moving at all...!
'...Manami-chan. Manami-chan!' Kabuto shouted loudly before I looked at him,
fear and shock written all over my face. The silver haired man chuckled.
'Why are you laughing, idiot?! Sasuke Uchiha might be dead!' I yelled at him,
unsure of what to do anymore. 'I didn't to poison him, I swea-'
'Calm down, Manami-chan. He's not dead,' Kabuto smirked at me before picking
Uchiha's body and throwing it over his shoulder. 'Sasuke-kun has just
overstrained himself. He was training too hard these past days and needs rest.'
I let out a deep sigh of relief.
'Thanks god...'
What would Orochimaru-sama do to me if he learned that I poisoned his precious
vessel? I sweatdropped. My master can't be disappointed. Sasuke must stay
alive!
'I'm going to take him to the treatment room.'
'I will go too!' I said boldly and followed Kabuto out of the room, staring at
the raven hair in front of me which was swaying gently.
'Geez, why are you so worried, Manami-chan?' the man commented, sending me a
sly smirk. 'Do you like this boy so much?'
I sweatdropped.
'It's not because of that, stupid Kabuto... It's just...'
'Mm..?'
'Uchiha is very important to Orochimaru-sama, so I don't want him to die. Got
it?'
Gosh, this was the most obvious thing in the world. Why would that four eyed
dumbass make such conclusions?
'Sure thing, Manami-chan...' Kabuto whispered smugly, gazing at me from over
his shoulder, a stupid smirk on his face.
I shot him a death glare. Why was he staring at me like that? Idiot idiot
IDIOT. I should just feed him to snakes one day...
About an hour has passed since Kabuto left me in the treatment room with
Sasuke. Of course he had to make another witty response, but I didn't care. I
was bored and decided to stay with the Uchiha, watching him sleep. Wait...
Doesn't this sound a bit too creepy? Oh well...
I smirked when I gazed at Sasuke's pale face. His lips were parted slighty and
his long eyelashes were quivering from time to time. The boy finally looked
calm and peaceful. He was always so gloomy...
I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes. Does he know that he's just a
vessel? And why does he need power so much? I don't think it has anything to do
with Orochimaru-sama. Uchiha keeps carrying something dark inside his heart,
I'm sure about it. My master mentioned that he broke all his bonds and left
Konoha, just to become strong.
I opened my eyes. I wonder... How does it feel to break all your bonds? He
probably had friends. Does it mean he betrayed them? I could never imagine
myself betraying someone I love. Betraying Orochimaru-sama... I shook my head.
That's not possible.
'Ita... Itachi...' I heard a quiet whisper and glanced at Sasuke.
His face darkened somehow and he looked troubled. Was he dreaming?
'Itachi...' he muttered again before shuffling on the bed and thrashing his
head to the side. 'Why... Why...'
Who was this Itachi? I stared at the boy, puzzled. Should I wake him up? I
probably should.
'Uchiha, wake up,' I shook him slightly.
'Itachi...' He continued and I noticed his fists turning white from the
pressure. 'I will... I will kill you...'
I blinked a few times. Who is Itachi and why does Sasuke want to kill him?
'Wake up I said,' I murmured, this time louder, and poked him once again before
he finally shot his eyes open.
A drop of sweat rolled down his forehead as he stared at me with wide and
horrified eyes. He looked more lost than ever.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
It was... Just a dream. Just another dream.
I stared at the big purple orbs which looked down on me in surprise. I glanced
around. Where was I? I felt myself lying on the bed. There were tables and
shelves in the room, all full of various bottles and other things. A few
candles were lighting the place. It's probably some kind of medical room.
'About time for you to wake up, Uchiha,' Manami spoke to me softly, before
giving me a deep confused gaze. 'What were you dreaming about? And who is
Itachi?'
I hardened my eyes on her, feeling anger flow through my veins.
'That's not your business,' I retorted hatefully and sat down, clutching my
head. 'Why am I here?'
I watched as the girl furrowed her eyebrows, looking displeased and annoyed
with my answer. Her long hair wavered as she stood up.
'You collapsed in the training room. Kabuto brought you here,' she said,
turning her eyes away. 'I thought it would be best to stay with you, in case
you wake up and start panicking. But whatever, I'm leaving.'
Manami went to the door and I growled under my breath. She was obviously angry
at me. I don't know why, but it felt wrong letting her leave. I couldn't
understand.
'Stay,' I whispered, mentally slapping myself for such pathetic word.
Why would I want her to stay? I don't care at all. She is just Orochimaru's
puppet. Though I find her somehow intriguing.
The girl turned to me, shocked by what I had said. Not like I wasn't shocked
too.
'I mean you can stay, I don't care,' I added before looking away as if that
wasn't a big deal.
But Manami giggled and came to my side with a sly smirk which was very
irritating.
'Oh, little Sasuke-chan wants me to stay. How cute,' she chirped in a sweet
tone and I growled again. 'So are you going to tell me who Itachi is?'
'No,' I spat at her.
'Fine...' She snorted and gazed at the candle, burning on the wall in front of
her.
I could see her smiling delicately for some unknown reason. This annoyed me
again, however, her presence was somehow comfortable.
I don't know how much time we have spent here like that, just sitting in
silence. This shouldn't have been happening at all, but it felt right. I
couldn't help but watch her from the corner of my eye. Manami wasn't some kind
of freak or a maniac like other Orochimaru's henchmen. She didn't look evil
either. How could such a girl be attracted to the snake man? No, you couldn't
call it an attraction. It was just a trap, she didn't have a choice, did she? I
wanted to ask, but Kabuto came in, intruding our own time.
***** Swing of Lie *****
'What are you two doing?'
I stared at Kabuto, when at Sasuke, when at the silver haired man again.
'Nothing,' both me and Uchiha said in unison and I almost cursed under my nose.
This sure makes it sound like we're up to something.
'Is that so?' Kabuto muttered, smirking at us as if he knew something secretive
and important. 'Why are you two sitting on the same bed then?'
I furrowed my eyebrows at the stupid man and noticed Sasuke doing the same.
'Shut up, Kabuto,' Uchiha commented before trying to stand up, unsuccessfully
though, I had to hold him so he wouldn't fall to the floor. 'I need to... To
train...'
'You can't go anywhere like that, Sasuke-kun,' Kabuto stated as if it was a
matter of fact.
'He's right,' I added but Sasuke only glared at us coldly and brushed my arms
off his shoulders.
I frowned. What the hell was his problem?!
'I don't need your stupid concern. Let me... Go...'
Kabuto caught the boy in the blink of an eye – he almost hit the ground again.
I watched as Uchiha's body was put back in bed, another soft expression on his
face – something you couldn't see very often. I have realized this already.
'He will be asleep for another few hours, probably,' Kabuto said calmly. 'What
a stubborn boy.'
I couldn't help but nod slightly. He was truly determined... And talented in
fighting, too. No wonder Orochimaru-sama chose him.
Kabuto sighed tiredly and went to the door before looking at me.
'Are you going to stay here?'
I didn't show any kind of response because I didn't know.
'You know that the master wouldn't like you staying in the same room with
another male for too long,' Kabuto spoke to me quietly. 'Even if it's Sasuke-
kun.'
My eyes widened at him. His face was expressionless.
'Here you go again with your foolish-'
'You know what I mean, Manami-chan. I'm telling you this because I care for
you.'
I scoffed at Kabuto's sudden „kindness". What is he even talking about? How did
he come up with this nonsense? Sasuke is just a vessel. There's nothing bad
about me staying with him...
It was quiet for a while, until I heard the door creak open. Kabuto was
leaving.
'I only worship Orochimaru-sama,' I whispered, but loud enough for him to hear.
'There is no way I would betray him.'
Another few seconds of silence. I gazed at the dark corner to my left, feeling
no want to meet Kabuto's eyes.
'I hope so,' he simply answered and closed the door behind him.
I grasped the cloth under me tighly. What a dumbass. It's like there's anyone
besides Orochimaru-sama I would ever care for... It's only him and nothing
more.
Nothing more.
I quickly stood up and left Uchiha all alone in the dark treatment room.
I giggled to myself as I brushed my teeth happily. A few drops of toothpaste
fell to the floor.
Orochimaru-sama is going to return today! It felt like I haven't seen him in
months, even if it was only one day. What should I wear, though...?
Pondering for a while, I chose a sapphire blue kimono with white flowers and a
light blue obi. It looked refreshing.
Maybe my master would take me outside... This would be amazing. I didn't have a
chance to breath some fresh air very often, maybe only once every three months.
Orochimaru-sama says that it's dangerous for me to go anywhere outside this
hideout, because his enemies might be somewhere near. Master is busy most of
the time, I understand this, but I don't get why Kabuto or someone else can't
escort me there. Well, Orochimaru-sama is always right, so I will just follow
his wish. If he says no, let it be so.
* Sasuke's P.O.V *
I was making my way out of this damned treatment room. I didn't come here to
rest. The only thing I crave for is power.
'Where are you going?'
I glared at the person who spoke to me so lightly. It was her, Manami. She just
came out of her room, looking as bright as ever. So bright and soft it got me
annoyed. Only the expression on her features was confused – seems like she
didn't mean to meet me here.
'Where do you think?' I asked codly, feeling frustrated once again.
It always happened when I was around this girl. Why?
Her violet orbs sank into mine as we stood in front of each other.
'Good luck with your training,' she whispered while brushing her shoulder
against mine.
'Hn. Whatever.'
I watched her back as she walked past me, suddenly ignoring my existence.
Yesterday she insisted on staying by my side while right now...
No, I don't care about it. I don't care.
I was about to leave too but another figure appeared in my way. Another figure
with yellow snaky eyes which made me disgusted and long black hair, so similar
to Manami's, but different.
Orochimaru.
'Sasuke-kun...' He hissed in his hideous voice, eyeing me intently before
shifting his gaze to the front, where the girl was. 'Manami-chan.'
A smug smirk turned to his face when Manami ran to him happily, clinging her
hands around his arm.
'Orochimaru-sama...!'
** Manami's P.O.V **
I couldn't stop grinning and looking at those mysterious black slits I loved so
much. He finally returned. I felt excited.
My face blushed instantly when Orochimaru-sama leaned it, so very close I could
feel his breathing.
My heart started beating faster. He was so gorgeous.
'You look beautiful, Manami-chan...' He said, his voice like black velvet
wrapping my chest and mind.
As soon as I lifted my eyes to meet his, master cupped my chin and brought our
lips together, melting them into one sweet and luscious kiss. I was too
surprised to respond while he was ravishing my mouth, making me moan very
slightly. The kiss lasted only for a few seconds, but to me it was like an
eternity, so enticing and fascinating...
I had a difficult time returning to the real world. My head was spinning and
the vision was blurry.
Only now I realized. Orochimaru-sama has kissed me in front of someone else...
For the first time.
A shiver ran down my spine. This was more than I could dream about...
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
The scene before my eyes turned me into a stone. The snake man has kissed
Manami, as if they were the only ones here. He was kissing her only for a few
moments.
Yet it was like an eternity to me.
It made my blood boil and I didn't know why. If I had to watch this any longer,
I would go insane.
Manami looked to the ground, all shy and flushed. She couldn't look neither at
me nor at that bastard. I could see her hands shaking. And that barely
noticeable smile.
Orochimaru was smirking.
I suddenly realized what I wanted to do. And I was going to do it, after I gain
my power.
I have finally realized how much I want to kill Orochimaru. No one is going to
stand in my way.
***** Purpose *****
'Come on, Kabuto! I really want to go to that festival tomorrow...'
'Geez, I shouldn't have told you about it in the first place,' Kabuto murmured,
annoyed by me following him around the hideout. 'If Orochimaru-sama doesn't
have any time to go with you, then that means you can't go at all. You know it
already, Manami-chan.'
'But I really want to! I haven't gone anywhere for such a long time!' I
explained, waving my arms in the air dramatically and giving the silver haired
man a slight pout. 'You just have to ask him a permission to escort me there.
I'm sure he will agree, he trusts you! Pleaaaase, Kabuto...?'
'There is no way he would agree, no matter how much he trusts me, Manami-chan,'
Kabuto said for the fifth time already before turning to me. He eyed me
intently and pushed his glasses up his nose. 'No one is allowed to go with you
anywhere, except the master himself.'
I cursed quietly. That's so unfair! There will be a festival in the village
right next to our hideout and I can't go there!
Stopping suddenly, I wondered. What if I...?
'Don't even think about sneaking out. Don't you remember what happened the last
time you tried to go somewhere by yourself?'
I frowned at Kabuto. I guess I'm easy to read... And he's right. A few years
ago I tried to sneak away on my own. Orochimaru-sama caught me and kept me in
my room for a month. He was really angry that time... I don't want to make him
mad anymore.
But what should I do then? Do I really have no right to see the world? If only
master wasn't that busy... I sighed deeply.
'Do you know what Orochimaru-sama is going to do tomorrow?'
'He will be training Sasuke-kun I think.'
'Outside?'
'I guess so...' Kabuto answered, looking at me suspiciously. 'What about it?'
Another idea crossed my mind and I smirked to myself.
'Nothing,' I said simply, like it was no big deal. 'I'm leaving then.'
Kabuto followed me with his eyes, but didn't say anything.
I quickly walked down to the training room, expecting to see Sasuke there.
Actually, I haven't talked to him for two months already, since that time he
saw Orochimaru-sama kiss me. I blushed at this memory. It felt really strange
getting kissed in front of him. I don't know why. But still, I was very happy
that master showed his affection for me in public.
I entered the chamber and barely managed to get away from a powerful chakra
ball flying straight to the door.
'Manami-chan,' Orochimaru-sama hissed, quite surprised by my appearance.
We haven't been spending much time together these months. All he cared about
was Uchiha and ways to make him stronger.
The cloud of smoke cleared up and I saw my master with Sasuke. They were
training. The raven haired boy was panting heavily and looked a bit worn out,
but still determined, like always. He glared at me and I stared back. It's been
a while since we met each other eye to eye.
'What are you doing here?' Orochimaru-sama asked me, coming to my side with a
sly smirk.
His arm found its way around my waist and brought me closer, making Uchiha
narrow his eyes in an odd way.
'I want to go to that festival tomorrow,' I stated to my master.
His lips formed a straight line suddenly as he answered firmly:
'We have talked about this already. I'm going to be busy with Sasuke-kun so-'
'But I have a suggestion, Orochimaru-sama,' I interrupted him and gasped,
lowering my head in shame.
It's not nice to stop someone's speech, especially if it's my master. Lifting
my head again, I noticed Orochimaru-sama raise his eyebrow at me.
'A suggestion you say? Interesting...' He muttered, once again surprised by my
behavior.
Getting a permission to continue, I explained my idea, looking straight at the
Uchiha:
'If I defeat Sasuke tomorrow, you will come with me to the festival. How about
it?'
Orochimaru-sama's low chuckle echoed through the grounds. I anxiously waited
for his answer, fiddling with my fingers. Uchiha kept silent.
'You never cease to amuse me, my dear,' master whispered, bringing me even
closer to his chest. I blushed. 'You know that Sasuke-kun has been training a
lot, don't you?'
'I know...' I answered shyly.
True, he was practising every day. What is his level now? I'm sure it's way
different than that time we fought each other. But I wasn't lazing around
either! Kabuto has trained me too!
'But let me try, Orochimaru-sama. I really want to go somewhere with you.
Please...' I murmured, gazing at my master's sharp features, already imagining
us having a good time together.
Another smirk lit the sannin's face. He looked intrigued.
'What a stubborn child...' He whispered to himself before taking a look at his
precious Sasuke. 'I guess you will have to fight her, Sasuke-kun.'
'She won't be much of a challenge this time,' Uchiha answered plainly, casting
me another glare.
I glared at him too.
'Bring it on, Uchiha.'
He smirked at me cockily.
'You better go and start training, Manami. It would be a shame if our fight
didn't last even five minutes.'
My face was getting red in anger. What's with this arrogance?! I will show him!
Snorting silently, I bowed down to Orochimaru-sama.
'Thank you for giving me a chance, master.'
He only nodded, still smirking, as if expecting me to do something even more
entertaining. But I wasn't going to. At least not today.
I went to the door, feeling both males' eyes on me.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
So Manami wants to defeat me so she could spend some time with this creep? Like
I would let it happen. I'm way stronger than her, I'm sure about that.
I felt another wave of obstinacy flow through my veins. I have no choice now
but to crush her. I can't let her win.
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
Sasuke-kun kept glaring at the empty space where Manami-chan was just seconds
ago. I couldn't help but smirk at this – the way they treated each other was
more than amusing. However, that will hold no meaning soon because I'm going to
take over Sasuke-kun's body. And the girl...
She's going to take a special place in this too.
The Uchiha boy glared at me and disappeared in a blink of an eye, searching for
an opening to attack me.
I flicked my tongue over my lips – the excitement was difficult to hide.
'Kabuto! I want you to train me! Now!'
'Not you again, Manami-chan… I was about to-'
'Get your ass to the training ground, Kabuto. I need to get stronger!'
'Sheesh... What an annoying girl...'
'What did you say?'
'Nothing, nothing. Let's just go.'
***** The Fight *****
'Let's kick Uchiha's ass! Let's show him what I'm made of!' I shouted to
myself, raising my arms in the air as if victory was already in my hands.
Pursing my lips slightly, I smirked at my image in the mirror. I wasn't wearing
kimono today, just simple black pants, dark purple tank top, ninja sandals and
of course, a ninja tool pouch. I have never felt so warlike before. No one can
beat me down. No one!
'Uchiha is going down! Yaaaaaaay~'
** Kabuto's P.O.V **
I sweatdropped, hearing Manami-chan yell some bold exclamations and shut her
room door with a loud crash. Seems like she's determined to win. Orochimaru-
sama has told me about her decision to fight Sasuke-kun.
To be truthful… Her chances are low. She hasn't been practicing as much as
Uchiha. Of course she doesn't listen to me. Too bad I won't be able to watch
their fight…
'Kabuto, where's Orochimaru-sama?' The girl asked, coming to me with her arms
crossed.
I was surprised to see her looking so… Ninja. It's not every day she's wearing
simple clothes. It made me chuckle lightly.
'I think he and Sasuke-kun are already waiting for you at the outlet.'
'What? Already?' Manami widened her eyes, then took a few deep breaths. 'I
guess I should go. Wish me luck, Kabuto!'
'Good luck,' I smirked slightly. 'You will need it.'
She glared at me, showed her tongue and left. All I could do was chuckle again.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
What was taking her so long? We should just get it over with.
As soon as I thought about Manami, she showed up. Her hair was put into a high
ponytail and she was wearing shinobi clothes. An odd, but nice sight.
'I'm sorry I'm late, Orochimaru-sama,' she bowed to the snake man and gave me a
challenging glare.
I gladly returned it with a smirk on my face. Seems like she's ready to fight.
Well, so am I.
'It's alright, my child,' Orochimaru smirked smugly, brushing a strand of hair
from Manami's face. 'It's a little chilly outside though.'
'I will be fine. I can't wait to beat Uchiha!' Manami shouted, her orbs
flickering with fire.
I rolled my eyes at this. Pathetic.
The three of us left the cave. A cool wave of air hit us. The trees around us
were bare already, showing their dirty branches which looked more like arms,
trying to scare us. The ground was muddy and the sky was plain gray, but it
would get dark soon because it was the end of autumn already.
I noticed Manami shiver under the cold wind, blowing to her face.
'Won't you get cold, wearing so little?' I asked her, smirking again and she
narrowed her eyes.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Crap. It was really really cold. I didn't know that it was autumn already! I
hugged my arms, trying to ignore the weather, but of course, Uchiha had to say
something stupid.
'I'm not cold,' I snapped, glaring at him hatefully.
'Sasuke-kun is right,' Orochimaru-sama said calmly, putting his hands on his
hips. 'You will definitely catch a cold. Go and take something to wear.'
'As you say, master...' I muttered, cursing quietly and running to the hideout
to take my sweater.
We reached a nice clearing in the woods, not too far away from our... Home?
Yes, I think I could call our cave that. As long as Orochimaru-sama was here,
it was my home...
'Time to take responsibility for your words, Manami-chan,' master hissed at me,
smirking, as I stood a few metres away from Sasuke. 'He's not the way he was
before.'
'I understand.'
Taking a few deep breaths, I gazed at my opponent. He was looking at me, his
face emotionless. Damn, where did my fighting spirit disappear...? I don't feel
so confident now.
No, everything will be fine! I will beat Uchiha... I can do this!
'I'm not going to interfere as long as it's unnecessary. You can begin.'
Orochimaru-sama disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving me and Uchiha
completely alone.
The wind was blowing softer now because the trees were standing in its way. Not
a single sound of festival, which seemed so distant at the moment. Hopefully,
it won't start raining.
I took a kunai out of my pouch, pointing it at the boy. He sent me one of his
annoying smirks and ran at me.
My eyes widened – when did he get so fast?
'Don't doze off,' I heard Sasuke's firm voice as he almost stabbed me in my
side.
I barely dodged that… My heartbeat fastened. Obviously Uchiha came at me with
an even stronger intention to kill than before. Was he taking it that serious?
I narrowed my eyes, attacking him at the full speed, however, he easily avoided
me, doing a few graceful backflips.
'Mandara no Jin!'
I gasped slighty as black snakes coiled through Sasuke's mouth, coming straight
at me. That's my master's technique!
I took another kunai and slashed those animals in half. No matter how much I
adored them, this was no time to have doubts.
'Not bad,' Sasuke commented silently before activating his bloodline limit –
Sharingan.
His onyx orbs were dyed in crimson red, with a strange circle in the centre of
it. So this is Sharingan... I have never seen it in real, but have heard a lot.
It's that thing that creates illusions, isn't it?
I glanced around frantically. Where's Uchiha? Damn. I stopped paying my
attention for a second and now he's gone!
I roamed the trees with my eyes, searching for a glint of him. Nothing. His
chakra was somewhere close, but I couldn't get the grasp where.
A bunch of shurikens flew at me and I jumped to the left, however, one of it
stabbed my right shoulder and I yelped in pain, clutching my new wound. Where
is that asshole? The weapons came from that side.
I grabbed another pair of kunais and threw them, but no sound reached my ears.
Did I miss...?
'You're pathetic.'
What...? Where is his voice coming from?
'You and your feelings for him... They give me disgust.'
I gritted my teeth and was already about to snap back something nasty, but I
felt something hard pressed against my neck. Cold steel.
'Give up already.'
Sasuke was standing behind my back. His hot breathing was hitting my ear,
sending shiver down my spine. How could I be so careless...?
***** Boundary *****
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami kept standing there quietly. My kunai was against the back of her neck.
What an easy and boring fight.
I let my guard down for a second and, to my surprise, Manami crouched to the
ground, giving me a powerful kick to the stomach. I was sent flying to the
tree, almost breaking it in half. So much chakra... Where did it come from?
I winced slighty, feeling my muscles sore against the hard wood. The girl's
footsteps were getting closer and I glanced at her. Her violet orbs were the
brightest shade of purple I have ever seen. She was burning with rage.
'How dare you call my feelings for Orochimaru-sama pathetic?' She hissed
silently, venom dripping from her voice. 'You don't know anything, idiot.'
A shuriken was thrown at my shoulder and I gripped it in pain tightly, glaring
at Manami. Blood was leaking down my arm, but I ignored it.
She's a fool. I will prove her.
** Manami's P.O.V **
I felt so much hate for this boy. He came to Orochimaru-sama for power and yet
he has enough courage to say such rude things to me! He knows nothing about my
feelings. Absolutely nothing.
'A man like him can't feel anything,' Uchiha retorded. Once again he was gone
from my sight. 'He's only going to use you.'
'That's not true! He's-'
Before I was able to finish my sentence, Sasuke landed a strong blow to my back
and I hit the ground harshly. I felt dirt smear my face, but it meant nothing
compared to Uchiha's words. They made me shake in malice.
The raven haired boy was slowly coming to my lying body. I gritted my teeth,
but the unbearable ache in my side stopped me from getting up.
I hate him... I hate him so much...
A hand gripped my shoulder, turning me on my back. My eyes widened. Sasuke was
looking down on me, his expression impossible to read. Blood, dripping from his
wound in the shoulder, fell on my tank top, painting it in dark crimson.
Sasuke's body suddenly touched mine as he sat on my legs, destroying any chance
of escaping. My blood stained fingers where clutching one last shuriken and I
tried to throw it at him, but my effort ended up pointless – Uchiha grabbed
both of my wrists and pushed them to the ground. I couldn't move at all.
'Get off, Sasuke...' I muttered, trying to sound dangerous, but I knew all too
well that I sounded shocked and a bit scared.
Why was he so close to me? I don't want to. I don't want to...
Instead of answering, Uchiha brought his face even closer. Our lips were only a
few centimetres apart.
I stared him in the eyes, those red ones, and couldn't look away. His gaze was
almost as intimidating as Orochimaru-sama's. I felt like I was trapped and only
he could decide when was the right time to let me go.
A few moments which have passed felt like an eternity.
'That's enough. Let her go, Sasuke-kun.'
Master was here. He could see me like that, helpless and weak. I felt my cheeks
flush in shame.
Uchiha narrowed his eyes, spat to the ground next to me and finally stood up.
His back was facing me now.
I got up too, afraid to look at Orochimaru-sama. He kept silent. Was he angry?
I didn't want to lose...
'I'm s-sorry, master,' I bowed down deeply, feeling embarrassment seep to my
head.
How could I be defeated by someone like Uchiha...?
'You fought well, my dear.'
A strong arm was wrapped around my waist and I looked up, surprised.
Orochimaru-sama was smirking down on me.
'Aren't you... Angry?' I asked quietly, making his smirk widen even more.
'Of course I'm not.'
I smiled slightly to myself. At least my most precious person wasn't
disappointed in me, even if I was. However, a frown took its place on my face
as I remembered the reason of this fight. I wanted to go to the festival with
my master... And I lost.
'What's wrong?' He hissed at me, gripping my chin and making me look at his
eyes.
Those comforting golden orbs, resembling a snake so well... That never-ending
power which I felt so safe around.
'It's just...' I sighed tiredly. 'You won't go to the festival with me...'
Orochimaru-sama chuckled and I frowned even deeper. I just wasted his time
after all...
'Hmm... I will take you there.'
I quickly glanced back at my master, my jaw hitting the ground. Was he serious?
'I liked your attitude towards this fight. I think you deserve to have your
wished fulfilled by me, my Manami-chan.'
A grin reaching from ear to ear lit my features as I hugged my master's arm. He
was the best! Even if I lost, he will go with me!
'Thank you, Orochimaru-sama!' I almost screamed, a smile never leaving my face.
'I'm so happy!'
My master only chuckled, claiming that there was no need to thank him. But
there was. There really was...
I glared at Uchiha's back, who never said a word all this time. He didn't even
glance at us.
I snorted proudly, still clinging to Orochimaru-sama, who treated me so kindly.
Where did that boy even get an idea that my master can't feel anything? That's
a nonsense. He himself has told me that he loved me. I believe him. There
wasn't a single shadow of doubt hovering over my feelings.
Only now I remembered that I was outside and that fresh air was soaking up my
thirsty lungs. I inhaled the coolness gladly, smiling once more. Trees looked
tired and depressed, but it's a beautiful day. And it will be even more
beautiful because I will spend some time with the person I love.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami probably didn't notice it, but Orochimaru sent me a warning glare when
he saw me on top of the girl. It didn't scare me though, not even a little bit.
I couldn't stop wondering what he needed from Manami, to keep her so close by
his side.
I almost smacked myself. Here once again I was thinking of something I
shouldn't. But it was harder to get that girl out of my head than I thought it
would. She just had to appear before my eyes and mess with my mind. Why do I
care so much about her? Perhaps Orochimaru should just kill her, so I can
finally train in peace, not disturbed by anyone.
No... What the hell am I thinking? I don't want her to die.
The sound of Manami's soft giggling caught my attention and I finally glanced
back. She was still glued to that disgusting snake man.
Just what should I do...?
***** Lovers *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
The new kimono I got a few days ago was gorgeous – enchanting emerald green and
black, white and silver flowers curling up from the bottom, almost reaching up
my arms. The obi was rich golden, perfectly matching the wonderful dress. I
couldn't stop staring at it, wide eyed. I would often ask Kabuto and
Orochimaru-sama where they got such nice kimonos for me, but they both answered
that it was none of my concern, so I didn't stick my nose any further.
I combed my hair, putting it into a neat bun at the top of my head. It surely
made my eyes stood out. Master said he liked it this way.
My heart was skipping a beat as I was finally finished. It was time for me to
leave.
I closed the door of my room, smirking sheepishly. My cheeks were already
turning a bright shade of red. But what can I do? I can't stop imagining that
me and Orochimaru-sama are lovers, going together to a festival. Just the two
of us...
I giggled quietly.
'Manami-chan... You look certainly charming.'
I glanced up to see smirking Kabuto. He looked quite amused. I blushed once
more.
'Thanks, Kabuto...'
I started walking towards the exit, where the master had promised to meet me.
Kabuto joined me.
'So you somehow managed to persuade Orochimaru-sama to go with you. That's
impressive.'
I grinned widely.
'To be honest, I have no idea how did this happen,' I murmured truthfully. 'But
I'm happy and it's all that matters.'
Kabuto peeked at me and snickered.
'I'm sure of that... Isn't Sasuke-kun going with you?'
An instant gloomy expression was put on my face.
'I hope not. I don't want to see him at all...'
'Did something happen between you two?'
'No,' I snapped at the gray-haired man, crossing my arms.
I can't tell him about that part where Uchiha was on top of me. He will come to
wrong conclusions, like always...
'If you say so,' Kabuto smirked again.
Soon we reached the end of the cave and my jaw had no other choice but to drop
to the ground.
Here he was, leaning against the hard stone lightly, looking like some kind of
lord of the darkness. Maybe he was one, at least that's how it seemed at the
moment. Orochimaru-sama was wearing formal clothes – something extremely rare
to see. His yukata was pure black, the same shade as his dark long hair which
was hovering over his wide shoulders. There was an expensive looking silver
band, wrapping master's waist line, and same coloured twin serpents – the
symbol of health, life and immortality – entwined on the back of the wonderful
robe. He was so handsome that all I wanted was just to stare at him. The
thought of spending my evening with such man made a shiver run down my spine.
If he was to touch me, I think I would faint...
'My my...' He hissed quietly, letting a playful smirk touch his features. 'You
look more beautiful than ever, Manami-chan.'
I felt his intent gaze look me up and down – from the bottom of my sandals to
the top of my head. I felt like my face was going to explode – it was probably
pure red.
'Tha... T-Thank y-you, my master...'
I almost punched myself mentally – my voice was quivering and barely hearable.
That's because of him – the sight of his magnificent entity took all my senses
away.
A soft chuckle, one that I adore so much, echoed through the hall as I felt him
take my arm and link it around his. The scent of Orochimaru-sama... It was
stronger than ever before. So fresh and seducting I could hardly stand on my
feet.
'That's so unlike you to go to a festival, Orochimaru-sama,' Kabuto commented,
still amused by us actually leaving the hideout so casually.
'That means you don't know me that well,' Orochimaru replied smugly. 'We shall
leave now. Manami-chan doesn't look to good. I think she needs some fresh air.'
Kabuto laughed quietly.
'You're right like always, my master. Her face is very flushed.'
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
We left the cave. It was about six o'clock in the evening, so the sky was
already pitchy black. The village was not too far from our hideout, only about
ten minutes apart. The path lead through a forest and I knew that it was
difficult for Manami-chan to walk, since she was obviously not able to see
anything, so I made sure to keep her hand tightly in mine.
Her skin was more silky than usual, or at least so it seemed. The fragrance of
her body was already alluring my senses – it was light and tender, the smell of
soap and lilies of the the valley. The kimono, hugging her developing curves,
fit her so well that any woman could be jealous of her beauty. I wanted her.
And the feeling of her leaning against my side only made it worse.
** Manami's P.O.V **
It felt so exciting to go through the woods alone with Orochimaru-sama. My eyes
were blinded by the darkness, so he was the only one leading me there. I could
only listen to the rustling of his yukata and feel his cold firm grasp on my
fingers – that was enough to make my chest pound harder and harder. We barely
spoke, but the silence was more eloquent than any words.
The lights of the village finally reached our sights and I frowned a bit,
displeased. The journey itself was so thrilling that I almost didn't want to go
to the festival at all.
'Are you ready?' Orochimaru-sama asked quietly, gazing at my face.
I nodded to him, smiling, and we dived into the sea of the crowd which was
filling the whole village.
I ran through the street, laughing loudly at the many colors and sounds around
me. Everything was so beautiful! The stalls, inviting to try your luck at
different games or taste some delicious sweets, people who were dancing,
singing or just smiling, looking happier than they usually were, and of course,
the simple ability to hear so many voices at once was making my head light. I
forgot the joy of being around people... And this was the moment I realized how
much I should cherish it.
I looked back at Orochimaru-sama, grinning. He was a few metres away from me,
but kept a good eye on my moving form, making sure I wouldn't get lost. His
face was straight and didn't look as entertained as mine, but that was
something I have expected. He escorted me there and that was already more than
I could ask.
My eyes widened slightly as we reached our destination – it was Ferris wheel.
'Look at this, Orochimaru-sama!' I pointed at the shiny giant thing, sparkling
in blue, green, red and all the wonderful colours. 'Isn't it huge?'
'It surely is,' he answered simply, putting a hand on my shoulder. 'Do you want
to ride it?'
I stared at my master, unbelievingly, than back at the Ferris wheel, then back
at the master again. He snickered.
'Are you scared?'
'I'm n-not...' I murmured quietly, lowering my gaze and drazing big circles on
the ground, as if they could prove my bravery.
Of course they couldn't, because I was afraid. But I couldn't let my master
know – he was the legendary sannin and the strongest ninja ever!
'Let's ride it then,' Orochimaru-sama decided, leading me to the wheel and I
yelped silently.
This didn't look too good...
We entered our cab and Orochimaru-sama closed the door after us, locking it
securely. He chose a place closest to the window, however, I didn't feel like
it was the best choice and decided to sit next to him. This felt much safer.
My master smirked at this amusingly.
'If you sit in front of me, you will get a better view, dear.'
'I'm fine here...' I whispered, wishing he would just dismiss this topic, but
of course he didn't.
'You're scared after all, aren't you?'
There was no need to lie anymore. He could see right through me. I nodded my
head a bit, feeling his prying yellow orbs on me.
Slowly we rose higher and higher and my muscles tensed. I was even afraid to
look at the side of the window – the idea of being so far from the ground made
sweat form on my face.
'I guess there's no other way.'
I gasped as I felt strong arms on my body, pulling it on Orochimaru-sama's lap.
'M-Master...!' I squealed, confused by this sudden closeness between us. 'W-
What are you d-doing…?'
His hot breathing was tickling my neck as he brought me closer to his chest. My
back was facing him and I was thankful for it, because I couldn't look him in
the eye right now.
'Calm down…' He shushed me, his tone lower than usual, and stroked my thigh
slowly. 'Relax and enjoy the scenery…'
I shyly looked through the window and the view took my breath away. The whole
colourful village was visible, spreading like an open book before our eyes,
while the lane of the dark forest, the one we came from, looked poisonous and
dense. There wasn't a single source of light there. The contrast between the
village and the land of nature, so wild and unruled, was stunning. People,
walking on the streets below us, looked so small and unimportant, like we could
fling them away in one move of our fingers. I giggled at this thought and gazed
at the full moon, shining brightly to our faces.
'It's so pretty… O-Orochimaru-sama…!'
I shifted when I felt his snake-like tongue licking my neck.
'Manami-chan…'
His lips were tracing my chin now and I felt his hand cup my face roughly,
forcing it to turn at him.
Master's eyes were reflecting the moonlight. They were wide and hungry. They
were dark with lust.
'You would never betray me, would you?'
I blinked once, then twice, trying to comprehend his words.
'Orochimaru-s-sama…' I stuttered, feeling speechless by his sudden
possessiveness. It made my skin shrink in fear, but also sent some pleasurable
shock through my veins. 'Of course I would n-never betray you…'
He smirked dangerously – I usually saw him smirking like that when he was
planning something. His strong hold was already making it difficult to breathe.
I winced a bit, but he didn't loosen it.
'You belong to me for eternity,' he hissed, like a snake following its prey.
'Forget any hope of running away. That would only hurt you, because I wouldn't
hesitate to do anything to keep you mine. Remember it.'
I shivered again.
'I h-have never had s-such thoughts, Orochimaru-sama…'
His smirk widened, making him look almost crazy. His slits were eating my soul.
I parted my lips slighty, thinking what should I do to prove my undying loyalty
for him.
And I kissed Orochimaru-sama. Gently, afraid to do something wrong, but
sincerely. I wanted to convey all my feelings to him which he devouringly
accepted, adding more passion to our kiss.
The festival was better than I imagined it would be. We returned by midnight.
***** Saddening News *****
'Manami-chan, the master wants to speak with you.'
I gave Kabuto a quizzical look as he opened the door of my room and called me
calmly.
'What does Orochimaru-sama need me for?'
'I don't know,' he answered simply. 'He's waiting for you in his work room.
Hurry up.'
Kabuto left and I tilted my head. The week has already passed since the day of
the festival. Nothing special happened in this time. Orochimaru-sama kept
training Sasuke and I haven't seen neither of them very often. However, it was
rare for the master to call me like that.
I got up from the bed, yawning slighty and stretching my arms. It was probably
around noon now, and I was very bored. Might as well hurry up. Orochimaru-sama
doesn't like to be kept waiting.
I knocked softly onto the hard iron door.
'Come in,' a quiet hiss invited me.
I pressed the handle and came into the small room, only to blink at the light,
which was quite bright compared to the rest of the hideout. There was a wooden
desk in the right corner while all the four walls were covered with shelves
containing scrolls, medicine and so on. I could count the times I have been
here on the fingers of my single hand. This was Orochimaru-sama's private space
and he didn't like anyone here, except Kabuto.
I looked around only to see my master sitting at the desk, reading some huge
scroll. A pile of other papers was put neatly on the table.
'I heard you wish to see me, Orochimaru-sama,' I bowed down, feeling curious
about the reason behind this sudden call.
My eyes wandered through the room and I noticed a few jars on the highest shelf
in front on me. One of it contained some unknown creepy-looking round thing,
drowning in greenish fluid, while the other one had a small white snake,
looking as if it was caught yesterday, however, it was in the same place two
years ago.
Master let out a deep sigh, leaning back in his chair, his shiny hair swaying
gently. His face looked a bit tired.
'Come here,' he motioned me and I slowly came to his side.
His yellow slits narrowed slightly at the sight of my appearance, but his lips
were soon met by the famous smirk.
'What is it?' I asked quietly, anxious to know what was going on. Something was
different for sure.
The purple marks on the bottom of the master's eyes looked sharp and striking
in the bright candle light.
An arm grasped my waist and brought me closer to the grinning snake man.
'Manami-chan...' Orochimaru-sama whispered to my ear and I shivered. 'There is
something I must tell you.'
I stared up at my lord, giving him a sign to continue. A lock of his black hair
fell on my neck, tickling it softly. I shifted a bit, feeling my body tense
under the intent gaze.
'Me and Sasuke-kun are going to leave this hideout for a while.'
I blinked a few times, dumbfounded.
'What...?'
Orochimaru-sama's smirk vanished, his lips turning into a straight line.
'He needs to empty his mind in order to become truly powerful. This place is
too distracting to achieve it.'
Too distracting...? I furrowed my eyebrows. How can this gloomy and isolated
cave be too distracting?
'I don't understand, Orochimaru-sama,' I replied silently, feeling annoyance
seep into my head. 'Do you find me disturbing?'
The free hand which wasn't wrapped around my waist stroked my cheek gently. I
closed my eyes, enjoying master's alluring touch.
'Don't jump to conclusions, dear,' Orochimaru-sama hissed, brushing his thumb
against my lower lip. 'You're not the main cause for our leave, though it's
true that you, Kabuto and others who come here make it difficult for Sasuke-kun
to set his mind only on the training.'
My mouth opened a bit, letting master put his finger between my lips. I felt
his cold skin against my tongue.
'I need complete peace and silence to prepare him for becoming a perfect
vessel. His potential is enormous.'
I lowered my head and clutched my hands into fists until they turned white.
It's all for that Uchiha...
Orochimaru-sama's fingers were removed from my face.
'Where are you going?'
'To some place far away in the woods. I can't tell you the exact location.'
My temples were beginning to ache. The idea of being in this cave without my
master was too depressing. Why... Why does he have to leave? I don't want him
to go anywhere.
'Stay,' I pleaded quietly, already suspecting that my beg won't change
anything. 'I promise that I won't distract you anymore.'
Orochimaru-sama chuckled before lining his face to mine. I stared into his
charming orbs which instantly pulled me in.
'You know that I won't change my decision, Manami-chan.'
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
My body was getting aroused just by feeling this girl so close to me. Actually,
she was disturbing my concentration on Sasuke-kun. I just couldn't get her out
of my mind.
My eyes scanned her up and down and I smiled slyly. Maybe I should give her a
small parting gift...
** Manami's P.O.V **
Orochimaru-sama suddenly grabbed the end of my neck, bringing me into a fierce
kiss. I whimpered, widening my eyes at his sudden passion. These past weeks he
touched me more than ever before...
A gasp escaped my lips as my master's long tongue explored my mouth, not giving
me any chance to respond. He was completely dominating but I didn't mind it at
all. It felt really good... My chest was getting hot, however, the lack of
oxygen hit me a few minutes later. Orochimaru-sama's smooth lips, ravishing my
own, were too intense...
The man pulled away, his breathing a bit erratic, but still composed, while I
was panting heavily. He eyed me hungrily before smirking again. His arms
suddenly swept away all the scrolls to the side and grabbed my waist, sitting
me on the desk in front of him. My surprised orbs were fixed on his handsome
features. What was he doing..?
'Orochimaru-s-sama...?'
His snake like tongue flicked against his chin.
'Spread your legs, Manami-chan.'
***** Innocent Lust *****
I blushed the deepest possible shade of red as Orochimaru-sama kept smirking
and licking his sinful lips.
'W-What do you m-mean?' I stuttered awkwardly, not quite getting what the
master wanted from me.
'Just do what I say,' the snake man hissed softly and put his long fingers on
my knees. 'I'm going to give you pleasure you haven't even dreamed about.'
My skin was soon covered by goosebumps, just because of his seductive tone.
Pleasure…? I couldn't understand what kind of pleasure he meant, but the lower
part of my body was burning.
Orochimaru-sama parted my legs in one swift move, making me yelp quietly. What
was he doing? The shame that he could see my secret places that I haven't shown
anyone before had gotten better of me and I tried to press my thighs back,
however, he didn't let me.
My heart was pounding rapidly as the master lifted my kimono and took a good
look between my legs, his golden eyes glistening with something I have never
seen before.
'You're wet, my dear,' he stated with a low chuckle. 'It means that you're
anxious for me to touch you.'
Before I could even stutter an answer, Orochimaru-sama pushed his fingers under
my white panties and took them off. I let out a shocked squeal.
'W-What are you doing, master…?!'
A cool gush of air hit my folds, making me shift uncomfortably. I quickly
covered that place with my hands, only to be met by a husky growl.
'Don't hide yourself,' Orochimaru-sama ordered before pulling my arms away and
holding them against the table. 'Just enjoy.'
I watched wide eyed as the snake man let his ultra long tongue wriggle out of
his mouth. A few drips of saliva hit my knee and I froze, thinking what he was
going to do next.
A loud cry escaped my lips as Orochimaru-sama gave a deep lick to my soaking
womanhood, sending an electric rash through my body.
'Ahh...!'
I shut my eyes tight as he lapped my juices, mixing his saliva with the hot
liquid coming from my insides. It ran down my inner thigh, right to his
demanding lips. What was this feeling…? My cheeks blushed even more at the
thought of my master tasting me so eagerly and I writhed on his desk, moaning
softly. This was nothing I have known before. This was driving me crazy…
'Orochimaru… S-Sama…!' I meowled, running my fingers through his silky hair
which was touching my folds and adding a tickling thrill to my already twisting
body. 'This is s-so embarrassing…! Ahh!'
The master grinned against my skin and plunged his tongue even further, so deep
that it almost hurt – the pleasure was unbearable. Feeling this squirming being
coil inside of me brought me sensations that set my body and mind on fire.
'You're delicious...' I heard a silent hiss come from my master.
I flushed even more if that was possible. His pace quickened and he licked
every corner of my womanhood, flicking that tongue up and down, sliding it in
me abruptly and then giving me a few light strokes only with the tip. My moans
hardened as I could feel something build at the same place where Orochimaru-
sama was licking me. That something was so great and heavenly, as if the whole
sky was going to fall down... An odd wave of fear and excitement hit me all of
a sudden.
'Orochimaru-sama...! W-What if Kabuto c-comes in...?' I managed to whimper
between my moans which were too difficult to control.
'Let him,' my master answered simply, as if it was no big deal. 'He will see
that only I can satisfy you like that.'
My body throbbed at the idea of the silver haired man seeing me in such an
intimate pose. I was laying in front of my lord with my legs spread while he
was kissing and licking me down there...
I arched my back and cried out even louder as that wave of ecstasy finally
flowed onto me, making my body convulse in pleasure. It was divine and breath-
taking, the only thing I could think of was Orochimaru-sama and his glorious
tongue, hitting the deepest core of my folds as if trying not to let this
delight out of me.
'Orochimaru-sama...!'
My mind got completely blank as the excitement started dying down. I felt
really tired and dizzy. My master's slits soon appeared in front of me and sank
themselves into my half-lidded orbs. My lips parted slightly and the vision
blurred. I really wanted to sleep.
Hovering over my sore figure, Orochimaru-sama smirked, brushing a strand of
hair from my face. I was too exhausted to even reach for him.
'When... When are you leaving...?' I whispered, suddenly feeling even sadder
than before.
My master was so nice to me... I don't want to be apart from him. Never.
'After two days,' he spoke to me, calm like always. 'Don't think about this
right now. Rest.'
My consciousness started fading away as Orochimaru-sama took me in his strong
arms, leaning my head against his chest.
His heartbeat... It was wonderful.
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
Oh how I wanted to ravish her more, slam her against the wall and just pound
her fragile body till I was fully satisfied, but it wasn't the right time yet.
I have to wait some more. After I take over Sasuke-kun's body, I will do things
to her she can't even imagine.
I let out a distorted sigh while carrying the girl to her room. Three years...
Three years and I will have everything I want. Just three years and I will
obtain Sharingan, the one I have been longing for, and a young strong body,
making me impossible to defeat.
I took a glance at the peaceful pale face in my arms. She was sleeping
soundlessly. The taste of her sweet juices was still lingering on my lips and I
licked them greedily.
Manami-chan will bear my child who will inherit all the precious Uchiha's
abilities. With this, I will finally be immortal.
The light of the candle lit my precious girl's lips as she murmured my name
once again. Her innocence was taunting.
***** Blindness *****
I woke up in the complete darkness. It was familiar, because there were no
windows in the hideout, however, I could feel that it wasn't a nighttime yet.
Rising from the bed lazily, I grabbed the candle on my dressing table and lit
it. I was right. The clock said it was only six in the evening.
My head felt a bit blank. What happened? I went to meet Orochimaru-sama and
then...
Instantly, my cheeks turned cherry red. I finally remembered what happened
between me and my master. Trying to stand up, I noticed that my legs felt
weaker than usual. Yes, it wasn't a dream...
Brushing my hair a few times, since it got messy while I was sleeping, I
quietly walked out of my room. The halls were empty. No sound, until...
'Manami.'
I stared ahead only to meet onyx black eyes, gazing at me indifferently.
'Sasuke...'
The boy looked exhausted, probably because of the training. Somehow we
acknowledged each other's presence.
'You look flushed. What happened?' He suddenly asked and I tilted my head.
It wasn't for him to be so... Caring. He looked quite honest with saying this
and that was strange.
I fiddled with my fingers, shifting uncomfortably. I can't tell him...
'It's just... I don't feel well,' I lied, staring at the space behind him, just
to avoid those eyes. 'I think I need some fresh air...'
Uchiha kept silent for a while. Did he see right through me? I hope not. I
don't want to share something so embarrassing with him. But I don't wish to be
known as a liar either... These thoughts brought a frown upon my face.
'Come with me then.'
I blinked at Sasuke, only to notice him make his way towards the exit of the
cave.
'Are you coming or not?' He repeated, already annoyed by my slowness and I
nodded softly, following his footsteps.
'Where are you going?' I asked foolishly, even if that was obvious.
He was leaving this place. Of course, he could leave it. No one would punish
him for doing that. Unlike me...
'Outside,' he muttered.
We reached the end and I froze, seeing him waver some signs and open the
hideout. A gush of fresh air hit my face and hair, and I shivered. Not from the
cold, but from this pleasurable sensation.
Uchiha glared at me as if I was stupid, but kept standing at the other side of
the cave, waiting for something.
'Hurry up.'
I blinked at him.
'I can't leave this place. If Orochimaru-sama or Kabuto finds out-'
'Shut up and come here,' he ordered harshly. 'They're not going to find out. Or
do you want to keep being their toy forever?'
I stared at his face disbelievingly. What was he saying...? He wanted me to
break the rules? He wanted me to oppose my master? I don't know if I can do
this...
The dark sky, hovering behind Sasuke, however, was too seductive. What should I
do...?
Uchiha let out an irritated sigh and grabbed my hand roughly, pulling me
towards him. The cave closed with a grunt.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
It surprised me in a bad way how Manami obeyed everything that disgusting snake
man told her. He can't keep her underground forever. But she didn't seem to
mind, otherwise, she enjoyed his company. Why? Why would she enjoy being with
someone like him?
I turned to the girl. At first, she looked a bit confused and frightened. Her
violet orbs glanced back at the hideout a few more times, but soon she got used
to the outside world – her features held a peaceful smile. The crude autumn
wind was playing in her midnight black hair, but she loved every movement of
it. Her eyes kept looking around, drawing in all the views and details.
The sight of her made something sting in my chest. I liked it or not, I
couldn't understand. But this feeling was getting more and more intense every
time I saw her.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Orochimaru-sama would be really angry, but... It feels so good to be here, to
smell the scent of trees, grass and autumn...
Me and Sasuke went to the river, nearing the forest me and master once
travelled through. There were a few rocks right next to the water, so we sat on
them.
It was dark. I would be scared to be in such a wide area without Orochimaru-
sama, but the flow of water was calming. And Uchiha...
I gazed at him. Though his lines were difficult to make out, I could see that
he was staring at the water too. I could sense that he wasn't as sulky as he
usually was. Maybe the nature was calming him too? Probably. He was even
comfortable to be around. I can't believe I'm thinking this about him...
However, a dark thought suddenly entered my mind. I remembered my talk with my
master. He is going to leave because of Sasuke. That's all this boy's fault. My
heartbeat quickened.
'What?' Uchiha spat at me coldly.
I realized that I was narrowing my eyes at him hatefully. Should I tell him
everything?
The evening sky was starting to clear out. Even if it kept being black, some
stars appeared there, checking me and Sasuke curiously. The wind died down and
trees stopped moving. It was so peaceful... It looked like the whole nature was
daring me to intrude its silence. Could I?
Blinking a few times, I shook my head. No, I didn't feel like fighting Uchiha
right now.
'Nothing,' I whispered, more to myself than to him, however, the boy kept
eyeing me intently. 'Tell me, why did you come here?'
'You already know. I came here for power,' Sasuke answered, his tone even
harder than before.
His head turned back to the river. I couldn't help but feel more and more
interested about Uchiha. Why did he always tense when I asked him about the
reason for coming to Orochimaru?
'I want to hear the whole story,' I murmured, unsure of myself.
I could bet that he wasn't going to tell me anything anyway...
A long pause followed. Water looked like it was glistening under the stars...
My eyes widened when Sasuke started speaking. He actually told me his life
story. He really told me. About his clan and Itachi, about Konoha, the fateful
curse mark, and his final fight with someone named Naruto. Naruto... Uchiha
uttered his name in some tone unheard from him before. Softly, but harshly.
Like he was suppressing something about him inside his heart. However, it felt
like a bad idea to ask any further about his and Naruto's relationship. They
seemed closer than just teammates... It wasn't my business after all, and
Sasuke would only get annoyed by my questions. His life was tragic, it was
already a surprise that he decided to share it with me.
'I see...' I whispered when he had finished, only to stare at the sky softly.
Was I feeling sorry for him? I probably was. But he didn't need my pity
obviously. He wanted revenge, which is understandable. The only question irking
my mind was... Did he know that he's just a vessel for Orochimaru-sama? Did he
know that after a vessel is used, it becomes weak and irrelevant? I have seen
other vessels that Orochimaru-sama had left to die. He didn't care about them.
They were just something useless.
My gaze turned to Sasuke again. His skin looked so fair in the dark... It was
almost shining. His fragrance was oddly nice - strong, but refined. No, I
can't... I can't imagine him being just a vessel. He had an ambition, he wasn't
like others. He was just... Different.
Pushing the thoughts of asking Uchiha about all of this away, I stood up. I
can't let myself feel any compassion for him. After all, he will be turned to
nothing. It's all for Orochimaru-sama.
'I should get going,' I muttered, making my way towards the cave.
I felt anxious to return to the place I was so used to. It was dark, isolated
and cold, but this endless beauty of the wild suddenly felt so strange and I
didn't want to be there anymore. Maybe Orochimaru-sama was right – learning
something new might be dangerous for me. It might mess with my mind. Maybe I
should just stay by my master's side... Going after Sasuke was a bad choice.
Uchiha followed me all the way to the place I wanted to call „home".
***** Goodbye for Now *****
** Kabuto's P.O.V **
One source of chakra returned to the hideout, followed by another, stronger
one. Yes, Manami-chan and the Uchiha boy have come back. It surprised me that
the girl broke the rules. She was forbidden to go anywhere. That's not
something you would except from her – she was usually obeying her master
without questions.
I glanced at Orochimaru-sama, curious to see his reaction. He was sitting in
his armchair, staring at the space in front of him. His face showed me that he
wasn't pleased.
'So she went somewhere with Sasuke-kun,' he hissed quietly, his voice dripping
with venom.
I could see his golden slits narrow slighty at the thought of his precious
vessel and his girl together.
'Manami-chan has always been very loyal to you, Orochimaru-sama,' I spoke
calmly and carefully. My single word could enrage the lord even more. 'I don't
think this will happen again. She's a smart girl.'
Orochimaru-sama glared at me and I instantly thought I did something wrong, but
his deep sigh proved that my fears were unfounded.
'What are you going to do, my master?' I asked him.
There was a long silence. Manami-chan acted recklessly for sure, but I didn't
want her to be punished. She will probably learn her lesson herself. After all,
there isn't anyone she cherishes more than Orochimaru-sama...
'Nothing,' the lord decided, standing up from his chair slowly. 'By the time
Sasuke-kun comes back from our training, he will be completely different. He'll
lose his interest in Manami-chan.'
A sly smirk lit master's features as he looked quite amused now.
'Everything is going according to my plan, Kabuto. Take good care of the girl
while I'm away.'
'Yes, Orochimaru-sama,' I bowed down to the sannin, watching him leave through
the door.
As soon as he left, I sighed to myself, pushing my glasses up my nose. I really
hope there won't be any hindrances in my master's way. And Manami-chan... She
can be very happy, unless she does something stupid again. Orochimaru-sama has
many different methods to make her submit. Hopefully, there will be no need to
use them.
* Manami's P.O.V *
The morning has already started off horribly. No matter how much I tried to
cheer myself up, thinking that this is better for everyone, I could feel
nothing but sadness.
Yes, it was the day for Orochimaru-sama to leave.
It was even difficult to force myself to have a bath and choose something to
wear. It all seemed useless. My master will leave, no matter how beautiful I
look.
I stepped out of my room, only to come face to face with Kabuto. He stared at
me for a while.
'Are you ready to see Orochimaru-sama and Sasuke-kun off?'
My eyes widened at him. Leave? Already? Isn't it too soon?
'What's the matter?' Kabuto tilted his head at me.
I frowned, realizing how selfish I'm being again. Of course he would leave in
the morning, while it was still bright outside. I'm such a fool...
'Nothing,' I plainly answered. 'Let's go.'
We walked through the hall, which was all so familiar to me. Many times the
only ones here were just me and Orochimaru-sama. He would hold me close, hug
me, or even kiss me, like that time...
'Geez, Manami-chan,' Kabuto commented, gazing at me pitifully. 'No one is
dying. He will come back. Take a hold of yourself.'
I could do nothing more than gaze at the silver haired man sadly. He was
right... But it isn't that easy to be strong.
Orochimaru-sama and Uchiha were already there. They had backpacks on their
shoulders.
My heartbeat fastened as I looked at Orochimaru-sama. Our eyes met.
'Manami-chan...' He hissed my name and came to my side.
A shiver ran down my spine at the lord's mysterious tone. I won't be hearing it
for a while. Actually, I don't even know how long they will be away...
'When are you going to come back?' I murmured quietly, closing my eyes at the
master's firm hand stroking my cheek.
He brushed it lightly, yet left me craving for more. Just like he always did.
'After three years, my dear.'
My eyes shot open. Three years?! Three years I won't be able to see Orochimaru-
sama? Three goddamn years...
'But Orochima-'
'Manami-chan,' Kabuto warned, putting his hands on my shoulders. 'Calm down.'
I glared at him. Was he an idiot?! Doesn't he understand that I will be alone
in this dark cave for three years...?
Tears were already forming in my eyes, but Orochimaru-sama's smooth fingers
quickly brushed them off. I looked up to see him smirking. Only more tears
appeared. I would miss him so much...
'Time will flow by faster than you think, Manami-chan,' he whispered to my ear.
I could feel his hot breath on my neck. It felt too good... Almost like a
dream.
While master was still leaning down to me, my eyes accidentally met Uchiha's
black orbs. He was gazing at me, emotionless like always.
'When I come back...' Orochimaru-sama's voice suddenly got more husky and
seductive. 'We will do much more sinful things than the last time.'
He leaned back, only to chuckle at my crimson cheeks. Sinful things with my
master... I had no idea what could they be. But it felt exciting.
The lord turned away from me, making his way out of the cave with Sasuke
following him.
'Orochimaru-sama...!'
He looked at me for the last time. I forced a smile on my face. I actually
wanted to smile for him.
'I will be waiting for you,' I muttered, bowing deeply.
After all, that was the only thing I could do right now...
'I know,' Orochimaru-sama hissed with another smirk. 'I can't wait to come
back, too.'
With these final words, he disappeared. Uchiha glanced at us, snorting like we
were some pieces of trash, and left after my master.
Three years...
It was only me and Kabuto now. I stared at him, puzzled about what will do from
now on. It felt strange...
'Prepare for your training, Manami-chan,' he smirked at me slyly.
I lifted my eyes at him, confused.
'Don't you want to have your revenge on Sasuke-kun when he comes back?'
'Yes!' I nodded eagerly, already feeling fire and determination in my mind.
I can't continue being weak like I used to. I'm sooo getting stronger! My
master will be proud of me, too!
'Then call me Kabuto-sensei, starting now.'
I squinted at him while we were walking towards the kitchen.
'Like I could even get used to calling you sensei, Kabuto-chan...'
'What...?'
I giggled at Kabuto's annoyed expression as he snorted at me.
'I guess I'm not going to train you then.'
'Oh come on, Kabuto, please...'
'No.'
'I'm sorry, okay...?'
Maybe it won't be so bad, after all. There are positive things in every
situation. At least I have a goal now – to become a woman Orochimaru-sama is
worth of.
***** The Return *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
Three years... Three years have already passed as I was in the hideout, waiting
for my master to return.
Is it a long time? I don't know... In some way, it felt like an eternity.
During the day time, I was usually busy, I tried my best to put Orochimaru-sama
aside of my thoughts. But during nights... It was very difficult, especially at
the beginning. I could think only of him. My body wanted to feel only him...
And he wasn't here.
'Don't space out, Manami-chan!'
A loud crash rang in my ears and I moved swiftly, noticing the silver haired
man try to land a hard punch on my stomach. But I was quick, my speed was much
better than three years ago, so Kabuto punched the wall instead and it started
to crumble away.
The shinobi frowned, but gave me sly smirk.
'Once again, you avoided me so gracefully... I would lie if I said that I'm not
impressed.'
I returned his smirk and glanced at his face. He was breathing heavily, already
quite worn out. A few drops of sweat were leaking down his forehead but he
brushed them away.
I gazed around only to notice that our training ground was completely
devastated... Once again. I said so many times that it would be much more
effective to train outside, however, I couldn't.
My own fingers caught my eyes... They were a bit dirty and sweaty. Yes, taking
a rest sounds not so bad... We were training for the last four hours after all.
** Kabuto's P.O.V **
Manami-chan was a truly amazing girl… Though I'd rather call her a woman.
I couldn't help but smirk again as my eyes traveled from her head to her feet.
She grew a lot, and not only as a ninja. Because of all this hard training, her
beauty bloomed even more. Manami-chan's lean face was still cute, but held this
certain elegance that every other female should be jealous of. Pure blood red
lips looked especially taunting as they were matched by deep purple orbs, which
held an intriguing power within them. Her figure changed dramatically – from
one of a brat she became quite a lady. Her curves were perfect and so well
sculpted that it was difficult even for me to take my eyes off her, especially
when she wore those tight-fitting black ninja clothes. Who could have guessed
that she would change so much? I couldn't. If she wasn't Orochimaru-sama's
property, I would definitely make her mine, but oh well…
'Would you stop staring, Kabuto?' She snorted at me, crossing her arms and
nerviously looking away.
'I would if I could, dear,' I smirked and she blushed slightly, but still look
quite annoyed.
'Anyways, that's it for today I guess…'
'Probably,' I murmured. 'We should call someone to fix this place. Ladies
first.'
Manami-chan gave me a suspicious look and walked in front of me. I could only
chuckle again.
'Kabuto-san, Manami-san. I'm sorry for my rudeness, but we just received an
important report.'
We stopped in place as one of the lord's henchmen bowed down before our eyes,
holding a small scrool between his fingers.
Me and the girl exchanged glances. What could be so important?
'What is it?' I asked impatiently.
The tall bald man blinked at us a few times.
'Orochimaru-sama and Sasuke-san are on their way to the hideout. They will be
here roughly three hours later.'
My eyes widened slightly and I glanced at Manami-chan. She froze the same
moment she heard our lord's name.
'W-What are you saying?' She stuttered quietly as I could see her violet eyes
light up immediately. 'Orochimaru-s-sama is…'
I let out a deep sigh and pushed my glasses up my nose.
'I see. Prepare everything for his return then.'
The man nodded and bowed down before leaving quickly.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Am I dreaming? No… Probably not… Could it be true that Orochimaru-sama will be
back today?
My heart was already pounding like crazy. After three years… I will see him
again. I missed him so much I swear I almost went crazy.
Orochimaru-sama…
'Manami-chan, are you alright?' I heard Kabuto's amused tone and turned my face
to him.
A real, huge smile was plastered on my face. I didn't have it in a while… It
felt so strange. My whole body was feeling weird.
'Couldn't be better,' I whispered to him, already barely standing on my feet.
'I will go and change now…'
I tightened the towel around my waist and went straight to the mirror. The
smile was still on my face. This whole time…
I wonder if my master changed? If so, how much? Did he miss me? Did he think of
me? Does he still love me?
All these questions were just fluttering in my head like crazy. I felt such an
exciting sensation at the bottom of my stomach… It almost made me sick. This
waiting was unbearable.
I brushed my shiny black hair, reaching my waist, and stroked it gently…
Orochimaru-sama's hair… I was anxious to touch it again.
I glanced at my bed – the kimono which was already prepared for me. The deep
violet work of art with silver floral pattern and a blood red obi. Yes, it was
the one my lord adored so much. Of course, my figure changed a lot, so I
couldn't wear the old one. I asked Kabuto to find me another one which would be
exactly the same.
I will wear it for him. Only for him. To think that this day will finally come…
I stared at my own reflexion and suddenly felt goosebumps on my pale skin.
Sasuke is coming back too… I wonder, how strong did he get? Would I be able to
beat him? However, his image in my head faded away quickly, because I could
only see those snake-like two yellow eyes.
Those amazing, intent eyes… That gaze… Is it still the same? I want to find
out. I need to find out.
The clock was ticking calmly till it finally reached that hour which I longed
for.
I should be going now. They are returning home soon.
***** Tension *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
One step... Two steps...
Twenty three steps...
Just like that night when I was coming with Orochimaru-sama to the hideout for
the first time, I was now counting my steps. My steps to my lord and my true
love. I couldn't understand if there was a hurricane inside my mind or
serenity. Orochimaru-sama... I longed for him way too much.
"Watch out, Manami-chan!" I almost fell on my nose, but Kabuto grabbed my arm.
I blinked at the ground a few times - there was a rock there and I didn't even
notice it.
I turned my face to the gray haired ninja and he smiled at me.
"I know you missed Orochimaru-sama, but he wouldn't be pleased if you died
right before meeting him."
I smiled at him too. What a sly man. No wonder Orochimaru-sama chose him - he
would always pick only the most unique handymans.
"I survived these three years with you, I think I can make it these next few
minutes too."
He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head in discontent. We were already by the
exit of the cave. I felt my body shaking slightly in anxiousness. The palms of
my hands were getting slightly sweaty and I frowned - I hate when this
happened. I should just calm down. But how could I? Orochimaru-sama was
returning. He was almost here. I felt his presence somewhere close... I needed
him that much...
"Manami-chan, would you please calm down?" Kabuto spoke to me again, continuing
to smile at me in a funny way.
"I can't, Kabuto, you know that I can't..."
"When you are so excited, it almost feels like you didn't change at all in
these three years. Still the same annoying little girl."
I furrowed my eyebrows and snorted. What does he mean I didn't change? I am
sure I did! At least a bit. My ninja skills improved and I think my appearance
changed quite much too...
Kabuto snickered at my expression. He knew perfectly well how much such talks
irritated me. He knew that I wanted to change for my master - I wanted to grow
up, be beautiful and strong.
My thoughts were corrupted by the movement of the stony doors - a huge cloud of
dust arose, like these doors haven't been opened for a long time. But that was
not true, Kabuto and others often went in and out of the hideout, except me. I
haven't been outside for three years.
I held my breath and my eyes widened. Same beautiful long black hair, that
stirred the very bottom of my soul...
Same smooth pale skin, that has always been shining to me like the tallest
lighthouse.
And same stunning serpentine eyes, highlighted by two bright slits, that I love
so much.
It was him, my master. Orochimaru-sama.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Again those dull stony doors, that I haven't missed at all.
I watched them from afar as we were getting closer to the hideout. The
disgusting snake man was smirking slyly beside me, jumping from branch to
branch a few steps ahead of me. His face that I have been seeing every day
these past three years was still bringing me nothing but disgust.
I focused my attention back to the cave, which was now right before our eyes.
I wonder if she has changed. Of course she did. But how much?
After these three years, the thought of her still makes me feel weird. I used
to be a weak brat before. I have been running from her, but all of my effort
was in vain. I finally stopped avoiding the image of her that was haunting my
head. I was anxious to see her now.
The doors moved and I narrowed my eyes slightly. The hideout was dark, but I
was used to the darkness, so it wasn't a problem for me to notice Manami.
My heart almost froze in my chest the very same moment my eyes landed on her.
** Manami's P.O.V **
I stopped breathing as my master's orbs met mine - they slightly glistened and
widened, sending a shiver down my spine.
"O-Orochimaru-sama..." I whispered to myself, but the sound barely escaped my
mouth and I wasn't sure if anybody heard me. But my master did.
"Manami-chan..." He hissed silently, just like he always would when I pleased
him in anyway. His handsome face looked surprised. I studied his features
carefully - his looks didn't change at all. How could he stay so gorgeous
forever? My breath was taken away.
"Welcome back, Orochimaru-sama, Sasuke-kun," Kabuto smiled, bowing down to our
master and taking a glance at Uchiha. "Wow, Sasuke-kun, you look grown up.
Seems like our master has trained you very well."
Only then, after his words, I finally took a glance at the Uchiha boy too, who
was standing behind Orochimaru-sama.
Though, he wasn't a boy anymore. My eyes widened again and goosebumps appeared
on my skin. He changed way more than I imagined. Not only did I feel this
powerful dark aura coming from him, but his appearance left me speechless - he
grew up into a man whose single glare could kill. His raven black hair was
still as wild as before, but he grew much taller, his skin was more pale and
shiny than ever.
Feeling his crimson eyes being glued to me, I didn't dare to return his gaze -
the thought of staring straight into his sharingan made me shiver again. Sasuke
has changed a lot. What did Orochimaru-sama do to him...?
I heard a quiet flick of a tongue - and turned my eyes back to my master. He
was eyeing me daringly, his smirk wider than ever. I watched as he took a step
forwards, closer to my hypnotized form.
"Won't you greet me, my Manami-chan?"
***** Crawling *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
"I'm so s-sorry, Orochimaru-sama," I uttered shyly, feeling my cheeks getting
painted in bright red. I quickly bowed down to my one and only master. "Welcome
back."
Damn it, I couldn't even greet him properly! Instead of staring at him, I
should have shown my respect to him..
I glanced at Orochimaru-sama again, only to notice him staring me up and down.
His orbs slid over my body easily, almost making me melt. The smirk on his face
was growing wider and wider, and I blushed even more, unsure of what to do.
I stood there like an idiot till my master slowly approached me, our eyes
finally meeting. The intoxicating scent of his entity filled my senses and I
felt like fainting. I was dreaming of this for such a long time... Dreaming of
him being with me again. And after three years, it finally happened. His body
was right in front of me.
"Manami-chan..." He hissed, keeping his eyes centered on mine.
There was something strong and indefinable in the way he stared at me. It
scared me, but also attracted me to no end. He never looked at me this way
before, maybe only sometimes, when it was only me and him, nobody else.
His ice cold hand touched my hot cheek and started stroking it. My eyelids
quivered and unconsciously closed. More than anything I missed his touch, which
was making my essence freeze. His moves at first were soft and light, but his
hand started gripping my cheek tighter and I felt his nails digging into my
skin slowly.
"You have really grown up."
After these words, Orochimaru-sama's smooth lips finally touched mine. So
gently yet hard, just the way he could, the way I dreamed of. I put my hand on
top of his, feeling his long, slender fingers, his divine skin, and forgetting
that there was anybody else around us.
There was nobody. Just me and my master.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
My fists were turning white as I watched that bastard leaning to Manami like
that.
Some things didn't change after all. And they were driving me crazy.
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath of the dusty cave air. It shamelessly
filled and smeared my lungs, and I felt a heavy rock lurking in my throat.
I opened my eyes again, glancing at Manami's lean, but curvy frame, the only
thing visible because of Orochimaru hovering over her. I could feel that she
got much stronger, both her body and soul.
Too bad, her mind remained stained, just like three years ago.
I felt my orbs widen, and a sudden wish to laugh filled my mind. I so wanted to
laugh at this grotesque act in front of me, which was making my blood boil and
my stomach twist in disgust.
Very soon everything will change.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Orochimaru-sama pulled his lips from mine, leaving me eager for more. I wanted
him to kiss me more, to touch me more...
I opened my eyes slowly, seeing his smirking face just a few centimeters away
from mine.
"You are beautiful," he whispered to my ear quietly, sending more shivers down
my spine, and suddenly pulled his body back. "Kabuto, I need to discuss
something with you."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."
I watched in daze as my master smirked at me once again and walked away slowly,
with Kabuto by his side. I stared at his moving form and smiled to myself - he
was finally back. I didn't need to worry about anything anymore. I am finally
able to be by Orochimaru-sama's side again.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami finally turned to me and blinked a few times, her long thick eyelashes
wavering like the wings of a butterfly.
I couldn't stop myself from looking her up and down for the fifth time. She
grew taller and even more beautiful. Noticing the muscles she has built over
the time, I smirked to myself - she has trained a lot. Her figure was perfect
now - so feminine, but strong. Her milky white skin was still glowing, so
smooth and flawless. Her midnight black hair was tied up, but I could say that
it was as thick and as gorgeous as before. However, there weren't any childish
traits in her appearance anymore, except for that so familiar innocence
plastered on her face - her big bright violet orbs were shining with purity and
will, just like the last time I have seen her. I don't know why, but it made me
quite pleased.
"Hello, Sasuke," she spoke to me, her gentle voice holding some kind of
uncertainty within it.
I couldn't help but smirk slightly at her, and that confused her - her lips
barely parted, and I noticed how perfectly shaped they are, like molded by a
true artist. Manami blinked at me again.
"What's so funny, Uchiha?"
"Nothing at all," I answered to her, taking a few steps forwards and watching
her reaction.
Her eyes on me narrowed and her gaze stiffened - I saw that before so many
times, this lost yet so stubborn expression she was giving me now, that it made
me chuckle lightly.
"What's up with you?!" Manami asked now, quite irritated with my behavior, and
crossed her arms in annoyance.
Her lips turned into a straight line and my smirk widened. I took another step
towards her.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Although Uchiha has really grown up, his attitude was still as cocky as before,
if not more.
I raised my eyebrow as he walked up to me, my eyes on the same level as his
bare chest. It proved how much Sasuke has been practicing - his muscles were
strong and firm.
"My eyes are right here, you know," Sasuke spoke to me and I blinked a couple
of times, before comprehending what he had just said.
Damn... I was staring at his chest for too long.
"When did you get so full of yourself?" I spat at him, turning my eyes to the
side out of embarrassment.
This was getting awkward. I didn't know what to say...
"I was always like that," he simply replied with another smirk.
I furrowed my eyebrows at him.
"I don't understand how can Orochimaru-sama stand you."
This seemed to have got to him, because suddenly his face went completely
blank, leaving no trace of the smirk he wore before. I waited for him to
answer, but instead he turned to leave, his shoulder hitting mine.
"Your stupidity didn't change at all, Manami," he said to me, his voice
dripping with venom.
I caught his hateful glare and his sharingan pierced me, getting deeper into my
soul, cutting, stabbing and ripping it apart.
It took me more will than I imagined to turn my eyes away from him. I felt
drops of cold sweat forming on my forehead. Uchiha got incredibly powerful.
Without saying another word, he left me standing there.
In that instant moment I knew that things won't be the way they were before.
***** Evocation *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
I kept smiling so much that my cheeks almost started hurting. Orochimaru-sama
came back. That filled my soul with joy, so now even this gloomy hideout seemed
much nicer. It finally felt like home again.
I waited outside my master's work room, anxious for Kabuto to get out of there.
I wanted to be with Orochimaru-sama. I wanted to get back for all these three
years that I have spent without him.
Staring at my pale fingers, I remember again how good it feels to be touched by
my master. His skin is so smooth... I wanted him to hold my hand. This thought
made me giggle slightly.
The crack of the door opening caught my attention and I glanced to my left -
Kabuto finally got out of Orochimaru-sama's work room. He smirked at me
deviously, as if he already knew why I was standing here.
"Pretty anxious, I see."
I felt myself blushing slightly, so I quickly turned my head to the side,
however, a smile was still playing on my lips. I could not hold it back.
"That's not your business, Kabuto," I snapped back.
Kabuto let out a fake deep sigh, dramatically waving his head in shame.
"As soon as Orochimaru-sama came back, you became an annoying brat again."
I smirked at him this time.
"Are you saying that I wasn't annoying before?"
I barely managed to finish my sentence when the door of the work room opened
again, this time our master appeared in front of us. I blushed again when I saw
him - he looked as handsome as always, although he seemed a bit exhausted and
irritated. I knew it. His old vessel was almost completely used up. He needed a
new one.
And the new one... Was going to be Sasuke.
I gasped quietly when I felt a strong arm wrap itself around my waist - I
looked up to see Orochimaru-sama sharply staring at me, with a barely
noticeable smirk on his face.
"You look uneasy, my dear," he hissed silently, moving his lips to my forehead,
just that enough to send a shiver down my spine.
I watched as he glared at Kabuto, not saying another word. But that was enough
for the gray-haired ninja to understand what the master was asking for. He
quickly bowed down and left us alone in a second. For the first time since
Orochimaru-sama came back, it was just the two of us.
I closed my eyes slowly, inhaling the alluring scent of my master, only to open
them again and gaze at his sinuous eyes, piercing my soul just like he always
used to do. That made me lightheaded and Orochimaru-sama seemed to notice this,
because his iron hold on me tightened even more.
I only blinked a few times as I felt my back being pushed against the door, and
my master's body being pressed tight against mine. I was completely under his
spell.
"Manami-chan..." He hissed again, so dangerously yet tempting, making me shiver
for him again.
I couldn't utter a word as I felt the tips of his beautiful fingers move
against the side of my neck, brushing my hair away from there. I watched as
Orochimaru-sama's face leaned in closer, so close that I could feel his calm
breathing against my skin. I felt like I was about to melt. He was so close to
me...
I gasped as I felt something hard touching my inner thigh, right where my
master's body was. That made me completely lose my mind. I wasn't thinking, I
was just feeling him, only him. Orochimaru-sama grunted against my neck and
buried his lips there, kissing my skin so tight, touching it with his tongue
and fangs. I just kept standing there, breathing so heavily, holding onto his
shoulders, as he ravished my neck, licking, sucking and even biting it, leaving
red marks there. Moan after moan escaped my lips, sometimes being interrupted
by gasps as I felt him violating me a bit too hard, making my body sting
slightly. Nevertheless, it felt too good, just too amazing...
Orochimaru-sama suddenly pulled back, his face right in front of me. Although
my own eyes were closed, I felt him gluing his narrow orbs on me and eyeing me
intently. I didn't want to open my eyes, but I did, because I knew that he was
expecting me to do that. I knew my face was as red as a cherry, but I couldn't
help it.
As soon as my eyes opened, I gasped again. My master's slits were leaking with
lust and desire, I have never seen him like that. There was nothing else, just
hunger in his face, and my body started shaking unwillingly. I felt completely
trapped.
My master smirked, eagerly licking his lips, and I felt another cold hand
getting under my kimono and sliding up the back of my thigh very slowly, making
me moan again. What was Orochimaru-sama doing to me...? The man only smirked
again, quite pleased with the reaction I was giving to him, and squeezed my
thigh so hard, almost making me yelp in sharp pain.
"Orochimaru-s-sama..." I stuttered, wincing from his fingers digging tight into
my skin.
I could only grip his shoulders tighter, afraid to faint from this sudden
painful sensation. It was seeping into my body and mixing with the excitement
that I was feeling for Orochimaru-sama.
The man chuckled quietly, letting go of my thigh and pulling his hand away,
letting the silky kimono hide my body again.
"Your changes left me speechless, my dear," I heard him speak softly.
He suddenly leaned in again, his mouth right over my ear. I felt his breathing
there and my body froze.
"Prepare me a bath, Manami-chan. I will come to you in a second."
I stared at him, trying to comprehend what he has just said and he chucked
again, this time at my confused expression. His hand brushed my burning cheek.
"Make sure to take change into something more proper. You don't want to get
this kimono wet, now do you?"
With these word and another final glare, he left me there.
My heart was never beating so rapidly, I thought it might stop completely any
second. My whole body was burning with sensations and my mind was never so
misty before. Me... Orochimaru-sama...
I slowly made my way to the bathroom, with various thoughts fighting each other
for the place in my head.
***** Flickering *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
I traced my fingers over the hot surface - gentle water ripples appeared, dying
out slowly with each second. The air in the bathroom was so misty and humid
that it made my warm skin kind of sticky. My heart was racing in my chest as I
was mindlessly gazing at the steamy hot water, filling the sand coloured marble
tub which I was leaning against.
My gaze was caught by a sudden flicker of the three white candles which where
lightening the place. A shiver ran down my body. I could hear slow, but firm
footsteps. They were getting closer and louder until they were right behind the
wooden door. My heart stopped. I was holding my breath and waiting. The candles
flickered again.
The wooden door cracked open as someone walked in, almost soundlessly. After a
short pause, the door was shut and locked. The sound of the lock rang in my
head, making my body quiver.
At the same time a deep sigh filled with anticipation came from his lips. I
felt it on the back of my head, caressing my hair slightly. Suddenly he snaked
his cold arm around my waist, pushing my back again his hard chest.
"Orochimaru-sama..."
I was beginning to lose myself to him. It just felt too good. Almost like a
dream...
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
Manami-chan's smooth skin made me want to touch her everywhere, all parts of
her body. She was just driving me insane. Her curves, covered by thin white
silky robe, were especially visible now because of the moisture here. After
three years Manami-chan's body was even more firm yet so graceful... I couldn't
keep my eyes away. Her slim legs, soft thighs, round ass...
I brushed my hand down her hips and the girl moaned slightly, making me
chuckle.
"You're as sensitive as ever, my dear." I whispered to her right ear, sliding
my left hand around her waist to her inner thighs, pushing the soft silky
material there. "You know how much I like that."
Manami-chan let out a sigh and leaned her head against my shoulder. Her eyes
were tightly closed but her long eyelashes wavered. Her pink lips were opened
slightly, shamelessly inviting me there. I pushed my tongue deep into her
mouth, ravishing every bit of it.
The girl squirmed under my touch and released another moan as my tongue brushed
and licked on hers. Her scent was alluring me more than anything else. I missed
her sweet taste, capturing all of my senses.
I needed her right now. All of her belonged just to me.
"Let's get into the bath, shall we?"
** Manami's P.O.V **
I gulped as my master said those words. Getting into the bath with him...? My
head suddenly felt so dizzy and light. This must be a dream... This can't be
real...
Orochimaru-sama dispelled my thoughts with a kiss on my neck, so hot and
tempting. I felt his arms around me move as he untied my robe with an easy move
of his fingers. I shivered again. I could see my robe parting and my naked skin
being exposed to my master. He could see it too, I felt his breathing
quickening just a bit as he eyed me hungrily. I felt so ashamed yet so excited
at the same time.
"Manami-chan..." He hissed beside my ear. "Your body is even more beautiful
now."
I felt my face blushing like crazy. I couldn't say a word.
Master's hand started stroking my naked body now - his cold fingertips slid
down from my neck to my chest, then down to my breasts, stopping there for a
moment. Orochimaru-sama put his large palm over my right breast, pressing it
gently and moving it in circles. It felt so good... My master's hair tickled my
shoulder as he trapped me with his body, declaring all of my moves as his now.
Orochimaru-sama suddenly put both of his hands on my shoulders, easily and
completely sliding off my robe. I was naked before him. With a swift move my
master turned me around so I was finally facing him. I didn't dare to look at
his eyes. Instinctively I put my arms across my chest, covering my breasts in
shame. That made him hiss in displeasure.
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
I felt my blood boiling in my veins as Manami-chan stood there right in front
of me, completely naked. She was too arousing. Her slender arms, covering her
breasts, were pushing against them a bit, making them stand out even more. They
were really big and well shaped now. I wanted to see more of them.
I gazed at the girl's eyes, but they were not visible because she was looking
down. I took Manami-chan's chin in my hand, lifting it up so her eyes would
look straight at mine. Her violet half lidded orbs were shining so bright now,
almost glowing in the dim light. They looked anxious for me.
I put my arm around her waist again, bringing her naked body to mine, feeling
her thighs and soft breasts pressing against me. This made me even more aroused
and I let out a silent grunt.
"You are driving me crazy, Manami-chan," I whispered, my face only a few
centimeters from her. She didn't say anything, just kept staring back at me. "I
want you."
"Orochimaru-s-sama..."
** Manami's P.O.V **
I blinked a couple of times as I watched Orochimaru-sama untie his matching
robe too, sliding it off his shoulders. It gracefully fell to the ground.
I blushed the deepest shade of red when my eyes scanned my master's naked body.
I don't remember seeing him completely naked... Or at least not like this. Not
like when he is aroused like this.
Orochimaru-sama smirked at me, his snake like eyes glistening dangerously in
the candle light. I watched as he shifted his beautiful hair to the side,
letting it cover his left shoulder, and stepped into the bath with a graceful
move. He sat down and leaned his strong back against the bathtub wall, bending
his legs slightly. The ends of his hair were under water now, flowing on the
surface gently.
He looked so handsome... I couldn't help but stand there and stare at him like
an idiot. Orochimaru-sama glanced at me too, smirking again and moving his hand
towards me, inviting me over. But my body froze and I couldn't move.
"Wash me, Manami-chan," he told me, his smirk even widening at my expression.
I could see how aroused he was for me. This was making me feel so weird...
I gulped to myself and went closer to the bath, with my eyes glued to the naked
master, my breathing shaky. Orochimaru-sama was staring at me with a sly smirk
on his face, watching my every move. I was afraid to look straight to his eyes.
Instead, I started looking for some soap, which was across me, on the other
side of the tub. I blushed again, if it was even possible, and bent over the
bath to take it, my body so close to Orochimaru-sama's.
** Orochimaru's P.O.V **
I hissed again to myself, noticing how Manami-chan's breasts hung down closer
to me. Her pink nipples were hard now, and I licked my lips with all the
thoughts suddenly rushing to my mind. I scanned her lean body only to stop at
her ass which was now lifted up in the air, so firm and curvy. I groaned in
lust.
I will make her beg me to stop.
My hand instinctively slid down the back of her thigh, so soft and silky, and I
heard her let out a moan. She was staring at me with her half lidded eyes,
looking so dizzy, with a blush playing across her face. Her long shiny hair was
touching my shoulders now, hanging beautifully down her back.
I smirked, letting my hand roam even further, to Manami-chan's ass. She gasped
now, closing her eyes and I could not notice how her knees were trembling
slighty. Her ass was firm and round, just perfectly shaped, inviting my fingers
to slide down deeper between her inner thighs. She was really hot there.
"O-Orochimaru-s-sama..." Manami-chan stuttered, her body twitching slightly.
My smirk only widened as I felt wetness getting on the tip of my middle finger,
which was pushing deeper into her.
"If you keep on like this, it might take the whole night for us to get washed,
don't you think mm?"
Manami-chan let out another deep gasp as I started moving my middle finger in
circles, rubbing her womanhood gently. I could not help but chuckle as the girl
tried to grasp the soap again, but I pushed my hand against her more and the
soap slipped out from her hand and fell into the hot water, splashing her chest
slightly.
** Manami's P.O.V **
My blood felt like it was boiling as I watched Orochimaru-sama lick his lips,
pulling out his long tongue. His fingers were rubbing me faster now, making me
feel so weak and so good at the same time, the bottom of my body was tingling.
I could barely hold myself from not collapsing.
Maybe my master noticed this, because suddenly he grabbed my body over my waist
and thighs and pulled me into the tub with me. I yelped from this abruptness,
my skin suddenly hitting against his as I was now on top of him. I watched his
face slyly smirking at me as he grabbed both of my thighs now, bringing them
around his body, making our waists touch. My body was heating up even more. I
felt something hard rubbing against me. Orochimaru-sama was so aroused for
me... My mind was getting more and more blank with every moment.
Hot water was surrounding both of us now, as if we were becoming one. This
sensation was overwhelming. However, it did not last for long as I felt myself
being pulled roughly into a fierce kiss.
***** Reunion *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
It felt too good... Orochimaru-sama's hand pressed on the back of my head as he
pulled me closer, his tongue going deep into my mouth, ravishing every bit of
it. His fingers were pulling on my hair a bit too tight and I felt a sharp pain
blending with the pleasure he was giving me.
I moaned into the kiss as he suddenly pushed his waist against mine, groaning
slightly. I couldn't believe I was with Orochimaru-sama like this... His hard
member was rubbing against me, sending strange vibrations down my body, no,
down my whole soul. I could barely stop myself from moaning even louder, I've
never felt like this before... My breasts were pressing against his bare chest,
getting my nipples even harder.
My master suddenly gripped my hair again and turned my face to him. His snake
like slits were so narrow now and the expression plastered on his face made me
freeze, both in excitement and threat. He was dangerous. And here I was
completely naked in front of him...
"My Manami-chan..." He hissed. "How does it feel?"
I shivered as he uttered my name.
"It feels t-too good, Orochimaru-s-sama..."
I blushed a deeper shade of red as my master let his hand run down my back, to
my lower waist and even below it...
"I can make you feel even better, my dear." He whispered and smirked, licking
his lips again.
I cannot help but tremble when he does that. Even better...? Could it get
better than this? Orochimaru-sama probably noticed how crimson my face was
becoming as he let out a soft chuckle, scanning my limp body with his
glistening orbs.
His hand was getting dangerously close to my inner thighs again when suddenly
my master stopped touching me and hissed in dissatisfaction. I looked at him,
still blushing but puzzled at the same time. What's wrong? Orochimaru-sama was
staring at the door, though I couldn't hear or see anything.
"They are getting closer." He whispered silently.
His face suddenly looked so serious and even edgy, but in a moment it changed
to his usual smirk. He gazed at me, brushing his palm over my cheek, looking me
deep in the eyes. I gulped. I couldn't understand what was going on at all. He
suddenly pushed my body away, quickly getting up from the tub. I blushed
another shade of red as I watched him take his robe and put in on quickly.
Master glanced at me once again, his gorgeous eyes flashing in the candle
light. His midnight black hair was dripping wet now, making his robe moist too,
but he did not seem to care. I still could see small drops of water over his
chest which was visible over the robe.
"Go prepare your things, we are leaving soon. Hurry up."
I blinked a few times and Orochimaru-sama was gone.
Confusion and embarrassment swept over me and I blushed again, putting my arms
around my chest. What the hell was going on? My heart was pounding like crazy.
I felt a cold gush of air touching me through the open bathroom door and I
shivered. Why did Orochimaru-sama have to leave me like that? My hand turned
into fist on their own and hit the water surface, splashing it over the wall.
Why did it have to stop at the moment like this? My face became even more
crimson, now because of annoyance too.
However, my senses were suddenly captured by some unfamiliar chakra. It was
getting closer to the hideout. Really strange, but powerful chakra... That's
what Orochimaru-sama meant.
I cursed silently, picking myself up from the tub and quickly grabbing my silky
robe. We had to leave, quickly.
I quickly put some clothes and other stuff into a backpack. Too bad, only a
small part of my things actually fit there. But there was no way to take all of
it. The unfamiliar chakra was really close now. I could feel that it wasn't
just one person, there was a few of them.
I changed into my ninja clothes quickly and took my ninja tools. Maybe there
will be a fight going on? I smirked at this thought. I really wanted to show
Orochimaru-sama how much I improved during these years. However, if we were
leaving this hideout, maybe these were some serious enemies... I know what kind
of things my master did and that some people were hunting him for them. Now
they were hunting Uchiha too...
I ran to the corridor, getting closer to the exit of the cave, only to see
Sasuke. He was standing there, with his arms crossed, looking as indifferent as
always. However, my coming caught his gaze. He glared at me, scanning my figure
sharply, his pale lips forming a straight line.
I remembered that my hair was still wet from the bath... With Orochimaru-sama.
This made my face turn deep red. Why the hell am I blushing? Not like it's
Uchiha's business.
I glared back at him, only to notice his eyes lingering somewhere around my
face. Probably my neck.
Damn it... There still must be the mark that my master left. My face became
even more crimson if it was possible. I shook my head slightly so my hair would
get on the side of my neck, covering the mark. Hopefully.
Sasuke's glare on me only intensified, or at least so it seemed, although his
stance did not change at all.
"What are you doing here, Uchiha?" I asked suddenly, mentally slapping myself
for such a dumb question. However, I wanted to clear out this awkward tension.
He did not say a word, only turned his head away like I was some kind of trash
which he looked down on.
Damn you, Uchiha. I crossed my arms and turned away from him too. Shortly after
that Orochimaru-sama appeared beside us. Where was Kabuto? I wanted ask, but
strangers' chakra was somewhere nearby. Could it be that they were in this
hideout already? I felt my heart beating faster. I was excited.
It was time to leave.
We were standing on the cliff, gazing at the cave which used to be my home for
the past years. Part of it was already completely destroyed. It shocked me. Who
could do that? Who was that powerful to find us, anyways? More than that, we
were retreating, why? My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of
four figures. They ran out of the almost ruined cave but stopped when they
noticed us.
I scanned them with my eyes carefully. They were obviously ninjas. The ones who
stood out the most was a girl around my age, with short pink hair and red
shirt. Next to her was a boy with bright yellow hair and orange jumpsuit. I
furrowed my eyebrows - if he's a ninja, he's the most flashy ninja I have ever
seen.
My gaze moved to the other two people - a man was standing next to the boy, by
first look he seemed a bit older, he was wearing ordinary ninja clothes. I
could not see his face very well because he was wearing his headband over his
forehead. However, the distance was a bit too long to see the symbol on the
headband.
Next to the girl, on the far left, was another boy. He was wearing black
clothes, hair was also black and short. But what stood out the most about him
was his unusual pale skin - it was visible very clearly because the shirt he
was wearing was very short.
All of their eyes were now glued to Sasuke and I squinted at him - why was all
the attention going to him? Though Uchiha's attitude was as cold as ever. Did
he know these people?
The silence was filled with tension.
The dark-haired pale boy suddenly pulled out a sword and I glared at him, then
at Sasuke and Orochimaru-sama. None of them seemed to mind it, so I carried
along with them.
"Sai! I knew it, you're...!" The pink girl shouted suddenly.
I had no idea what was going on.
"So he's my replacement?" Sasuke uttered after a short pause and I stared at
him, surprised.
Huh? What was he talking about?
"Another loser joins the ranks." He continued, glaring at them so coldly it
felt his eyes could freeze.
Suddenly it hit me - they were Uchiha's past teammates. They were probably
looking for him. I was surprised that they came such a long way, even more,
they managed to find out our hideout. So one of them was Naruto... I don't know
why, but I felt that it must be that blondie. He was staring at Sasuke so
intently I could feel it just from glancing at him.
"He said something about wanting to protect my "bond" with Naruto." Sasuke
spoke out again.
Yeah, so I was right after all.
"Sai, wasn't your mission to-" The pink haired girl said, looking at the pale
guy.
"Yes, my secret mission was to assasinate Sasuke-kun." The guy uttered, still
holding the sword in front of him. "But I don't care about my orders anymore. I
want to act of my own free will. And I think Naruto-kun can help me remember...
What it was like to feel. It was something very important."
So his name was probably Sai. Interesting. I stared at him as he glared at
Uchiha.
"I don't know much about you, but there must be a reason why Naruto-kun and
Sakura-san came all this way just for you! They're going all out to keep their
bonds with you from being severed!"
I crossed my arms, staring back and forth between Sasuke and the gang.
"I still don't understand it myself, but Sasuke-kun, you should!" The pale guy
shouted.
I was surprised by how much they care about him. What was so special about this
jerk? Why would you go all this way for him?
"Oh, I do." Sasuke whispered, closing his eyes. I could feel the dark aura
coming from him. "That's why I severed them!"
An uncomfortable pause followed.
"I have a different bond." Sasuke glared at them. "A bond of hatred with my
brother. Other bonds merely confuse you and distract you from your greatest
desires, and the emotions that matter."
Uchiha's voice gained some odd tone. I knew what he was talking about.
"Then why...?" The blondie uttered, gazing at Sasuke. His voice held certain
disappointment and sorrow in it. "Why didn't you...? Why didn't you kill me?!
Is this your idea of cutting off bonds, Sasuke?!"
My eyes widened as the blondie yelled. I could swear my heart stopped for a
second.
"The reason is simple." Sasuke answered, still keeping his emotionless
expression on. "It's not that I couldn't cut off my bonds with you. The idea of
doing what he said in order to become more powerful made me sick."
"What are you talking about?" Naruto asked.
"I don't owe you any explanations."
I have never seen Sasuke like this before. I could feel venom and harshness
dripping from his voice. But there was something more... "And I'll say about
back then... That day I left you alive on a whim."
Another silence followed. Even to me Uchiha jerk seemed annoying as hell. I
swear I wanted to punch him bad.
I blinked only to gasp, surprised - Sasuke suddenly appeared right beside
Naruto, holding his arm on his shoulder. I could hear him say something, but I
could not make out what. My body stiffened as I watched him take out his sword
slowly. He's not going to... Right?
Sasuke was about to slash him, but the pale guy Sai appeared, stopping him in
the middle.
I glanced at Orochimaru-sama again. They were still not doing anything. Why?!
Even more, there was a smirk playing on my master's lips.
The older man with a headband suddenly made some sign and released something
out of his hand... Wood? Is it wood?
Sasuke released some electric power ball from his hand, I felt strong chakra
coming from it. Damn... He was really strong.
Electric light embraced them and I could barely see what was going on. I
watched as Naruto's body suddenly fell to the floor. My eyes widened. Did
Sasuke...? The pale guy fell too.
Suddenly the pink-haired girl's fist started collecting chakra and she attacked
Sasuke. He gripped his sword but the wood man jumped in front of him but it was
pointless - Uchiha's sword was too fast, it went straight into him.
"Captain Yamato!" I heard the pink haired girl shout.
I could just watch the scene.
Sasuke murmured something again, but I could not hear. His sword was still
stuck in the man's chest.
My eyes turned to blondie who was slowly standing up. The pale guy followed
him.
To my surprise, the wood man was still alive. He made a few signs and some wood
came out of his chest, pushing Sasuke and his sword away. Who the hell was he?
How did he do that? It came right out of his body...
The ground started shaking and I stepped back, watching some kind of wooden
shield appear straight out of the stony ground. It covered them and I cursed -
I could not see anything at all now. But after a short while Sasuke broke it,
jumping in the air and landing on the cliff again - he did not look damaged at
all.
I clutched into fists. He was so damn strong...
"You still think like a kid, Naruto. My revenge is everything to me. As long as
I can exact it, I don't care what happens to me or anyone else." He spoke out.
"Here's the situation. Right now neither I nor Orochimaru are a match for
Itachi."
I gritted my teeth. What did he mean by "Orochimaru-sama isn't a match for
Itachi"? That Itachi couldn't be that strong.
"If sacrifising my body to Orochimaru is the only way to kill him, I'd give up
my life a million times over."
My eyes widened again. Uchiha... There was so much hate in Sasuke's voice. I
could not even describe it. Itachi...
To my surprise, the wood man stood up. "Enough talk."
He murmured something to his gang, but I could not hear. This was getting
annoying.
"Konoha? I've had it with all of you." Sasuke murmured, looking more serious
than ever.
Damn, his senses were too good.
I watched as he stuck up his sword to the ground and quickly made a few hand
signs.
"This is the end."
He barely managed to finish that when Orochimaru-sama appeared by his side,
gripping his hand.
"You are not using that technique, Sasuke-kun."
My master's voice was deadly, he was really serious. What technique was he
talking about? Could Sasuke be even stronger?
I was getting angry. Stupid Uchiha... He was not using even half of his power.
"Beat it." Sasuke spat out, looking Orochimaru-sama dead in the eye.
That's it. How did he dare to speak to our master like that? I was about to
jump in and kick him in the face, but Kabuto appeared out of a sudden. What he
hell was going on?
"Come on, you're still using such foul language with Orochimaru-sama?"
That's right, Kabuto! Beat that asshole up!
"I don't see any reason to stop." Sasuke answered, unfazed by Kabuto's
attitude.
"You know what Akatsuki is up to, don't you?"
What was Kabuto talking about? Damn it! I felt like I was the only one who did
not get anything!
"That's why we want Konoha to help eliminate them. Even if it's just one. If
the other Akatsuki members interfere, then you'll have more troubles taking
your revenge, right?"
Akatsuki Akatsuki... This word seemed familiar.
"That's pathetic." Sasuke uttered.
"It's an opportunity to improve your chances, even if by only 1%. Agreed?"
Kabuto turned to Sasuke.
Sasuke turned away. My master finally let his arm go.
"Let's go." Orochimaru-sama hissed and touched my hand.
I felt my body being teleported. The gang before me slowly disappeared.
I felt confused and annoyed. Once again, Uchiha was at the center of attention.
He was really pissing me off.
***** Unbridled *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
Oh boy, the new hideout was much larger than I imagined! It was still dark and
kind of gloomy (not like I expected any better), but there seemed to be many
more corridors, secret paths and tunnels. More than that, there was an
underground, and who knows what was hiding up there? I still felt like child
who needs to explore and find out everything.
But not today. There were too many things going on.
Not only did we have to leave our hideout (after three years which I spent
without seeing the sunlight) but also we encountered some enemies. This really
pumped me up. It's not every day that I met new people, and those kids seemed
really interesting. Also, I got so many questions raised in my head. Who was
Akatsuki and why does it sound so familiar? Was that Itachi, Sasuke's brother,
that strong? He could not be stronger than Orochimaru-sama, right?
The cave door behind me closed and I glanced at the outside world one last
time. The day seemed bright and sunny. Too bad, I never know when I will be
able to see it again. It made me sigh.
"Manami-chan, are you listening?" Kabuto asked, rolling his eyes at me.
Huh? I looked at him, he was still explaining me and Sasuke about our new
hideout. Orochimaru-sama left us the moment we arrived, leaving us standing
here. During the trip he also seemed in thoughts and I was not able to ask him
the questions which were tickling me.
"Yes, yes, whatever, Kabuto." I scoffed at the gray haired ninja and crossed my
arms over my chest. "I know what you are going to say. Don't explore the
hideout, because you are going to get into trouble, whatever... Let's get it
over with already."
Kabuto fixed his glasses slightly, glaring at me, then suddenly smirked.
"If you insist, Manami-chan. Don't blame me if anything happens though." He
suddenly looked around and sighed. "Seems like Sasuke-kun already left. You
guys are so troublesome. Anyways, let me show you your room."
I smirked at him, letting him take me there.
The room was very close to where I've been living in these past years, however,
the ceiling was a bit higher and so it made the room look more spacious. This
made me glad.
When Kabuto left, I took a short nap which turned out to be a bit odd. I had a
really strange dream during it. I dreamt of a tiny black snake crawling up my
right leg, getting higher and higher. At first I felt calm, but later I started
panicking because the snake got right up on my neck. My body froze and I could
not move. Suddenly the snake bit my neck and I woke up, deeply breathing.
I felt my forehead with my hand - there were cold drops of sweat over my skin.
What a stupid dream. I jumped from the bed, shaking it off - I never gave too
much meaning to dreams.
My head was kind of dizzy. What time was it? I had no clock in this room yet so
I did not know. To my calculation, it should be late evening if not night
already.
I wonder what Orochimaru-sama is doing... I really felt like talking to him,
hoping to get all the answers I need from him. However, he might refuse to tell
me everything, insisting that this should not worry me, but I wanted to know.
Maybe it would be better to ask Uchiha? I might as well find him tomorrow. When
he doesn't act like a jerk, he can be pretty good at explaining.
But first I needed to find my master.
Orochimaru-sama must be somewhere here, right...? How did I come up with this
thought? I have no idea. I did not know where Orochimaru-sama's room was, I was
just going straight, hoping to meet him or Kabuto somewhere. But for the past
fifteen minutes I did not encounter anyone. I've found several doors, leading
somewhere, but they were locked.
The candles on the walls were flickering as I made my way past them. All the
corridors looked the same, so I decided to just go straight and do not turn
anywhere else so I would not get lost. But I think I was lost already. This
made me sweatdrop.
Another door. I felt that someone is here, right behind them. Maybe it's my
master? I really hope so.
I knocked softly on the door, hoping to hear Orochimaru-sama's deep voice over
there, but there was nothing.
I should have probably left right then, but my curiosity kicked in. I pushed
the doorknob by myself and as I expected it opened.
The room was dimly lit, although there were about five candles on the walls,
only two of them were burning. Although the room was the same size as mine, it
looked much smaller because of the darkness. Same as in my room, there was a
double bed, a wooden closet across it and a night table. To my surprise, on the
ground beside it was a silhouette sitting, leaning against the wall. It was
none other than Sasuke.
"W-what are you doing here, Uchiha?" I stuttered and facapalmed inside my mind.
Damn it. This is Sasuke's room. Why did I come here? And why am I asking such
stupid questions?
His head was bent down, but after a moment it turned to me. Surprisingly, his
black orbs looked tired now, although they still held this stolidity that was
usual to him. Sasuke's face was blank, he looked completely unfazed.
"What are you doing here, in my room?" He uttered monotonously, keeping his
eyes glued on me.
Even his voice sounded exhausted. Something was wrong with him. Uchiha was not
his usual self. However, it was not my business. I turned back to the door.
"Sorry, I thought this is Orochimaru-sama's room, I will leave no-"
"Come."
My eyes widened at these words and I stared at Uchiha back, his orbs still
fixed on me. He seemed dead serious.
I couldn't believe what he just said. He wants me to stay? I blinked a few
times, unable to comprehend it.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami was standing there, staring at me as if I was a complete idiot. Maybe I
was. I did not know why I asked her to come.
She looked so shocked and lost that it almost made me smirk. Who knew that you
could confuse her so easily? Her hair was a bit messy, so were her black ninja
clothes. She was probably sleeping.
Even in this dim light, Manami's eyes were standing out. They were such a
bright shade of purple that it was difficult to believe that someone could have
such eyes.
I patted the ground beside me, indicating her to come and sit down. At the
moment I thought she was going to refuse, but after blinking a few times,
Manami approached me slowly, watching me as if I was up to something.
She sat down, bringing her knees to her chest and glancing around the room only
to avoid my eyes which did not leave her since the moment she came in.
** Manami's P.O.V **
What the hell was up with Uchiha? He seemed so weird. I felt him staring at me,
but somehow this time I felt too uncomfortable staring back at him. Besides
that, he was so close to me... I could feel his body heat.
I needed to avoid this awkwardness somehow... That's right! I should ask him
the things which were bugging me.
"What is Akatsuki?" I asked him suddenly and I felt him finally avert his eyes
away. "You guys kept mentioning it today."
I paused, waiting for his reply, but he stayed silent.
"These were your past teammates, right? The ones you have told me about
before?"
Sasuke did not say a single word and this was getting on my nerves. He invited
me to come in and refuses to speak with me?
"Is your brother really that strong? He could not be st-"
Suddenly Sasuke's cold arm grabbed my neck, pushing it against the wall
roughly. I winced, shocked because of his attitude.
"Shut up. It annoys me when you speak." Uchiha spoke out coldly, his voice
dripping with venom again, just like it always used to.
I glared at him, putting my hands on his and trying to push him away, but he
was too strong. Instead, he just pressed it around my neck, making it more and
more difficult for me to breathe.
"G-get away from me, U-Uchiha," I muttered, still trying to get away from his
grasp.
Is he insane? What's wrong with him? Why is he acting like this out of a
sudden?
Sasuke leaned in to me, his face so close to me, I could see it clearly now.
His eyes were glaring at me angrily and sharply, as if he was trying to stab me
with them.
"Get away," I repeated again, but Uchiha did not seem to mind this at all.
His face leaned in even closer, I could feel his breathing over my own face.
Sasuke's face changed. I could not understand what was going on. His emotion
now was something I could not get at all.
My head was getting dizzy from the lack of air and I squirmed even harder.
Uchiha's body was almost over me. His hand, which was warm now, slid a bit up,
to my chin, gripping it tightly. I felt his skin there. I felt him leaning in
even closer. I felt his lips...
Suddenly I slapped him across the face, as hard as I could. His face turned to
the side, getting covered by his hair and I could not see his expression
anymore. His hand let go of my neck and I touched it, wincing from the ache
which he just gave me. My hand was tingling from the harsh slap but I did not
mind it. I was boiling with rage.
"Go to hell, Uchiha." I spat out at him, putting all my rage to these words,
and quickly dashed out of his room.
I felt hot tears forming on the corners of my eyes, but I quickly wiped them
away with my hand.
I hate you, Sasuke Uchiha. I hate you with all of my heart.
***** Alone *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
"The master is really busy. He doesn't have time to play with you, Manami-
chan."
I gritted my teeth. What does he mean by "play"?! I just want to spend some
time with Orochimaru-sama! A couple of weeks passed since the day we moved in
here, and I saw my master just once or twice, and even then, just for a very
short while. He said he has work to do... I missed him so much during these
years he was away. I wanted to be with him... There was nothing else I wished
more than to be in his arms. Yet, even during late night, I could not see
him...
I cursed at Kabuto and left him alone in the hallway. He was annoying. He did
not understand me at all.
Orochimaru-sama...
I frowned to myself. There was nothing I could do. I was stuck here, all
alone...
I returned to my room and sat on my bed, staring into the wall in front of me.
If I could burn things with my eyes, the walls of my room would be covered in
holes. I became sick of this room. There was nothing to do. Even Kabuto was
busy all the time, he could not train me anymore.
I let out a deep sigh, wrapping my arms around myself. Orochimaru-sama... If
only I could be with him now... I could not stop thinking about the time in the
bathroom, when it was just me and him. These memories frightened me slightly,
yet at the same time they sent millions of shivers down my body. It was so
exciting to even think about it. We were so close to each other... He toucher
me like never before... I never knew my body could react like this. Too bad, it
had to be interrupted. Somehow, I hoped, that... If I see my master again... We
could continue it...
Forget about it, Manami. You can't see him now.
I stared at the yellow candle on the wall, it kind of looked like it was fake.
The flame was not moving at all. It was frozen.
There was another thing which was disturbing me. It was that damned Uchiha. I
could not forget that time I accidentally went to him room. Whenever I remember
it, I feel furious. He's such a jerk! What's wrong with him?! Why does he treat
me like that?
I could not help but grit my teeth again. I felt so humiliated, so weak... Even
after two weeks, it feels like it happened just yesterday. Luckily, I did not
have to see him during this time. I don't want to see him ever again. Just a
single thought of him made my head ache.
I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. Sometimes I really felt like a burden
here, completely useless. Everyone was busy with their things, and I had
nothing else, just Orochimaru-sama. However, he cannot spend all day with me. I
wish... I really wish I was stronger, so I could be more of a help for him.
Maybe I should start training more? Even if Kabuto can't train me, I could do
this alone.
I smiled to myself as this thought entered my mind. Not like there is anything
else to do, I could as well work to get stronger. This way, Orochimaru-sama
would appreciate me more. Maybe he would even take me to some missions - that
way, I would stop being useless. If I train hard enough, maybe I could beat
Sasuke too... That's right, I felt more pumped up than ever!
My eyes flew open and I jumped from the bed, quickly put on my ninja gear and
did my hair. I grabbed my ninja weapons - not like I had many, just some
shuriken and kunai - and left my room. At such time, the training ground must
be empty.
Just as I expected, there was nobody else there during such time. It was almost
midnight, after all. The training ground was located even more underground than
my room - so, although it was very spacious, it felt really gloomy. There were
about twelve oil lamps illuminating the gray stone walls and ceiling - it
looked like many small shadows were dancing on them. Let me say, it did not
look like the cosiest place in the world. Actually, it looked a bit
frightening.
It was so silent. I could not hear anything at all, only the silence itself. I
stood there for a while, just listening to it. After taking a deep breath, I
decided to start training. There was no time to waste.
* Sasuke's P.O.V *
I expected the training ground to be empty at such time. Not like anyone else
goes there often, besides me. It was Orochimaru's private area, so only his
closest people could use that place. It seemed like the whole hideout was just
for Orochimaru, Kabuto, Manami and me, but I knew of the horrible things going
on in the underground. Orochimaru spent a lot of time there, doing his sick
experiments. But all of this will end soon.
While I was opening the door to the training ground, I heard some noise. There
was this familiar chakra as well... Manami was here.
I stopped at the doorway and stared at her. She did not seem to notice me, as I
was facing her back. My eyes were fixed on her lean, but curvy shape, covered
in black ninja clothes. Manami was fixing her pony tail, which looked a bit
messy, strands of hair getting loose on the sides of her head. She was panting
heavily and staring somewhere.
I could not see what exactly she was looking at, but there were a few kunais
and shurikens lying on the ground in front of her. She was training.
After fixing her hair, Manami just stood there, not moving at all. She was
covered in silence, only her soft breathing was slightly audible. Her raven
black hair was glistening in the faint oil lamp light. Her skin looked so pale.
In this dark, gloomy room she almost looked like a ghost.
While I watched her like that, my body froze as well. I could not take my eyes
off her. It seemed like all the muscles in my body suddenly refused to move.
Something about her made me feel like there was something stuck in my chest,
and no matter how much I tried, I could not get it off. I hated this feeling.
It made me feel so foolish and weak.
Finally I forced myself to move and gripped my sword, pulling it out
soundlessly. I took a few steps forward, my gaze fixed on Manami's back. She
still didn't make a single move. Her breathing was calm and steady now.
I put my sword in front of me - the steel blade was shining, black shadows
jumping across it. The tip of the sword was getting closer to Manami, till it
finally touched her back, slowly rising to the nape of her neck.
I waited for her reaction, but there was nothing. The cold steel was pushing
against her flawless skin, just very slightly, not enough to actually pierce
it.
"Never let your guard down." I uttered, pointing the sword at her neck.
After a few seconds of silence, Manami's figure disappeared in a puff of smoke.
It was just a clone.
This time, I felt cold iron pushing against my skin. Manami was right behind
me, holding a kunai against my neck. More than the blade, I felt her warm
breathing over my skin.
"I could say the same to you," she whispered.
Her voice was really soft. It was like silk. It sounded strangely soothing in
this murky, cold underground.
I could feel her behind me. Her body heat. She was here, right behind me.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Sasuke managed to sneak behind me so silently, like a tiger, pointing its sharp
fangs against my neck. But it was not enough. This time, I was faster.
You can't always win, right?
I gripped my kunai tighter, bringing it closer to his neck. My heart was
pounding like crazy, but I tried my best not to show it.
Before I could blink twice, Sasuke suddenly disappeared in front of me, leaving
me in awe. I quickly scanned the training ground, but he was nowhere to be
seen.
Once again, he made me feel like a fool. I gritted my teeth.
Suddenly I gasped, feeling somebody behind me, gripping my body over my arms
tightly, leaving no possibility for me to move them, not even an inch. It was
Sasuke. His right arm, holding the sword, was bent up across my neck, pushing
the blade tight. I felt the steel against my pulsating skill. It was cold. My
body was completely trapped.
I felt like my heart was exploding. A wave of different feelings washed over
me. Sasuke's steady breathing was tickling my left ear, sending tingling
sensations to my body.
Why am I feeling this way? Why...?
I tried to push against him, but it was useless, as his iron grip on me only
tightened. His body was so strong, I couldn't move at all. Drops of cold sweat
were forming on my forehead.
I glanced at the blade, glistening under the light. My single reckless move
would make it pierce my neck completely. I imagined blood gushing out of skin,
spilling over the blade, Sasuke's hand and my clothes. Everything would be
tainted in my crimson blood.
My mind was a complete mess at that moment. Feeling him so close to me...
Uchiha... Just why? Why can't I hate you?
***** Sinking *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
The only part of my body that I could move was my legs. I concentrated my
chakra there, as well as my arms - this was my only way to escape.
Now or never.
To my own surprise, I managed to slip away from Sasuke's grasp. He looked
surprised as well - I could see his eyes widen slightly at me. I stood in front
of him, holding my kunai in front of me, prepared for his next move.
Uchiha smirked suddenly, pointing his sword at me again.
"Not bad," he spoke out.
I could sense some kind of playfulness in his voice. He looked so calm and
focused... His eyes, shining red, looked like they were made of glass. I found
them kind of intimidating. No, there was no way I could give up to Sasuke... I
furrowed my eyebrows, trying to come up with a strategy to beat him.
"You are taking way too long," Sasuke muttered, his smirk disappearing as he
attacked me suddenly.
Luckily, I managed to dodge him this time. He was so good with his sword - I
had to work really hard to avoid it. One wrong step and I am dead.
After a few minutes, I was already covered in sweat. Sasuke, on the other side,
looked quite relaxed. It seemed like he was barely putting any effort into our
fight. Is he really that strong? This really pissed me off.
"Try harder," he smirked at me after gracefully dodging my attack again.
This time, though, I did not feel any kind of mocking in his voice. I don't
understand him... His attitude changes so quickly... I sighed to myself.
I just needed to take a deep breath. If I keep getting pissed, this won't get
me anywhere. I need to focus. I need to find his weak spot.
I stared at Sasuke for a while, not moving from my spot. His physical shape was
great. He was very fast and powerful, I could barely dodge him, no need to even
talk about attacking him. The way he wielded his weapon was flawless. Wait...
An idea popped up in my head. This should really tame his cockiness.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Fight with Manami really intrigued me. I wasn't using even half of my power,
but I was curious about her. She was just... Amusing to fight.
She stared at me for a few minutes, then suddenly a wide smirk appeared on her
face. She probably came up with something.
"It's time someone puts you in your place, Uchiha," Manami spoke out, pointing
her kunai at me.
"I'm waiting," I replied smugly, feeling excitement run through my veins.
After a few seconds Manami disappeared from my eyes. I looked round quickly,
but she was nowhere to be found.
This is getting more and more interesting.
** Manami's P.O.V **
I quickly made five shadow clones who attacked Sasuke all at once. Of course,
he didn't battle them for a long time.
"Is that all you've got?" Sasuke snorted, smirking like an asshole again after
destroying my last clone.
But this time it was me who was smirking.
"Not at all," I replied, feeling proud of myself.
Another ten of my clones attacked Sasuke, throwing shurikens and kunais at him,
kicking him from all sides.
Sasuke growled in annoyance, destroying all of them in one hit, slashing
through them with his sword. This was the exact moment I was waiting for.
Before Sasuke could react, two of my clones attacked him from behind, while the
real me used chakra strings to snatch his precious sword out of his hands.
I smirked devilishly to myself, tightening my grip on his sword. It was way
more heavy than I imagined. How can he use it so easily?
Sasuke looked surprised for a moment, then smirked as well, crossing his arms
on his chest.
"Not bad at all from someone like you," he mocked me now, watching me trying to
handle his weapon.
I glared and smirked at him, pointing his sword to his chest. I threw it from
my right hand to my left, swinging it around a little, trying to get used to
it. Actually, it felt nice to have it. After getting used to its weight, it
seemed like a pretty good weapon.
"I should keep it," I smiled at Sasuke, attacking him with my full speed.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami is stupid if she thinks that this sword is my only weapon.
"Don't underestimate Uchiha," I uttered to her as she swung the sword at me,
trying to cut me in half.
I could see how hard she was trying. Her purple eyes were more determined than
ever. Her moves were swift and firm. Also, the way she was wielding the sword
was getting better in seconds. She was improving pretty fast.
"Don't underestimate Kato as well," she spat at me, slashing the air again.
I barely dodged it this time. This made me smirk.
** Manami's P.O.V **
"Where is your family?"
I froze as Sasuke asked this question. So sudden and unexpected. Why is he
asking this?
I gripped the sword harder, coming at him again. To be honest, I was getting
out of breath. Even without his weapon, Sasuke was fighting incredibly well.
"My family is dead."
Sasuke stared at me intently, kicking me in the stomach and sending me flying
to the wall. I winced in pain. It was difficult to stand up.
"What happened to them?" Sasuke asked seriously, taking a few steps towards me.
My stomach felt like it was burning. I couldn't move.
"They died in a fire. My village was attacked and burned down to ashes.
Everything happened very suddenly..." I replied, feeling cold all of suddenly.
"I am lucky that Orochimaru-sama was there. He noticed me, helped me and took
me in."
Sasuke just gazed at me as I tried to stand up. My legs were trembling, but I
did not care. I didn't want to give up. Not to Sasuke.
Panting heavily, I gripped the sword with both of my hands and launched another
attack towards Uchiha. My body didn't want to listen to me anymore - I was very
slow, and not even half as strong as before.
"I see," Sasuke replied calmly, he looked like he was in thoughts. "Who
attacked your village?"
"What's with these questions, Uchiha?" I mumbled, swinging the sword around,
now it seemed heavier than ever before.
I felt so confused... Why was he suddenly so interested in me? Anyways, he told
me his story, so I guess it would be fair enough for me to do the same.
"I don't know," I muttered quietly. "But it does not matter anymore. My family
is dead and there is no way to bring them back. Now I have just Orochimaru-
sama."
I gasped as Sasuke suddenly knocked the sword from my hands. It felt to the
ground with a clang.
I stared at the Uchiha, who was glaring at me more intently than before. He
seemed pissed.
"How can you not know what happened to your own village? Do you not care?"
Before I could realize it, I was harshly thrown to the wall again. The pain was
covering all of my body now. I felt tears gathering up in the corners of my
eyes, but I quickly swallowed them. My head was feeling dizzy.
"Stop... Stop thinking that what you are doing is the only right way," I
replied to him, my voice sounded distorted and weak.
Oh, how much I hated that...
"Even if I know who destroyed it, what it will change? Nothing at all. I don't
want to live with the hate haunting me forever."
I need to get up... I can't give up. I just can't.
To my own surprise, there was still chakra left in my body. It was keeping me
alive. I need to fight...
Sasuke kept silent for a while, just glaring at me emotionlessly.
"You are an idiot," he replied calmly. "What was the name of your village?"
I blinked a few times, brushing the sweat away from my forehead. I checked my
pouch - there was a single shuriken left. I had no other weapons left. This
made me sigh in disappointment.
"Hidden Storm Village."
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Hidden Storm Village... I could swear that I have heard this name before. But
where? Probably in the academy. Yes, I am sure I have heard this name there.
Yet, I couldn't remember anything else about it. There was something about this
village...
I felt a sharp pain in my chest suddenly. I glanced down to see a shuriken
stuck in my chest, making a wide wound. The blood was dripping down my skin to
my white shirt.
I glared at Manami - she looked completely shocked. She was staring at my wound
in fear, glanced at me, then back to the wound. Her eyes were wide - seems like
she did not understand what happened just now.
"I-I... I t-thought... I thought that y-you will d-dodge it..."
I growled in annoyance. This was stupid. I put my hand on the bloody shuriken,
slowly taking it out of the wound.
** Manami's P.O.V **
Oh my god... I can't believe I actually hit him.
I watched as he tried to take the shuriken out of the wound, making more blood
gush out. It was painful just to watch it, and yet his face was completely
emotionless. He wasn't showing any reaction.
What should I do? I seriously hurt him. He might bleed to death! I should help
him, I can't let him die!
I felt panic rush over me, making me forget all my pain. I quickly ran to
Sasuke's side. His wound was bleeding pretty hard. I watched as he threw the
bloody shuriken to the ground while holding his other arm on the crimson spot
on his chest.
"I-I'm so s-sorry..." I mumbled, quickly gathering chakra in my right palm.
I must not forget to thank Kabuto later for teaching me some basic healing
techniques.
My hands were shaking slightly, but I moved Sasuke's palm away from the wound
carefully. As soon as I did it, the blood started leaking everywhere again.
Damn it... The wound was pretty deep. I quickly put my right hand over it,
stopping the blood from flowing. I could feel my chakra streaming to Sasuke's
chest.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
Manami's hand was on my chest now. I could see it getting covered in my blood.
Her skin was brushing against mine.
I never felt like this before. My chest felt warm. My heart was beating faster
than usual.
I stared at her hand for a while, then lifted my eyes to her face.
A serious, focused expression was plastered on her face. Her eyes were not
moving away from my wound. I could see her forehead and lips tense up.
Her lips... They looked pale now, a very bright shade of pink. They were turned
into a straight line.
Manami noticed me looking at her and stared back at me. As soon as our eyes
met, my heart stopped beating.
Her violet orbs were making me crazy... I could see them trembling. They seemed
so deep, like a never-ending abyss. I was getting lost.
She was driving me crazy.
** Manami's P.O.V **
I gasped as Sasuke's right hand appeared on top of mine and brought it closer
to his chest. His hand felt so warm...
I felt goosebumps on my skin. I couldn't think straight... What the hell was
happening...?
Sasuke's eyes were still locked on mine, and it felt like I was put under a
spell. Was he using his sharingan on me? Why... Why I couldn't move my body at
all?
The wound on his chest has disappeared, leaving just bloody marks on his skin
and my hand. However, Sasuke was still holding my hand there.
I couldn't read what was written in his bright red eyes. They were hypnotizing.
There was something in them... I felt like I was melting in that single moment,
it felt like the time stopped. Nothing else existed around us. I could not feel
anything else, just my skin touching his. His warm grip on my hand. His eyes
locked on mine. His body heat.
"Sasuke..." I whispered, my voice trembling like crazy. "What are you
doing...?"
He blinked suddenly and his eyes changed. They became cold. Just like they
usually were. He glared at me angrily.
I felt him brush my hand off harshly.
"Enough playtime with you," Sasuke spat at me, while taking his sword and
putting it in place on his back.
He glared at me again, while I was just standing there with my eyes wide,
watching his every move.
"You are weak and useless. I don't understand why Orochimaru needs someone like
you."
With these words, Sasuke left the training ground. I was left alone, covered in
silence again.
One of the oil lamps on the wall in front of me quivered. The flame struggled
for a while, but then died out, giving itself to the hands of the eternal
darkness.
My heart... It was somewhere else.
***** Soiled *****
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
"Where are you going, Sasuke-kun?"
I stopped when I heard the annoying silver-haired ninja behind me. I was about
to exit the cave, but of course, this idiot had to waste my time.
"Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong, Kabuto."
"Don't be so offensive," I heard him utter, I could feel the smirk on his face.
"You should inform Orochimaru-sama before leaving the hideout."
I glared at him over my shoulder before waving the hand signs.
"I am not his dog."
The cave opened and I flew off into the harsh summer afternoon rain.
It was just the beginning of August, but the rain wouldn't stop pouring for
about a week. Every day the sky looked cloudy and dark. It wasn't cold, though,
more like pretty warm, so the rain felt somehow refreshing. The rain drops
couldn't touch me - I was wearing a cloak, however, I could see and feel them
leaking down the hood, sometimes getting on my hair as well.
I jumped from branch to branch quickly towards the closest village. I couldn't
believe I was doing this, but there was one reason why I was going there. It
wouldn't get out of my head. It interfered with my concentration as well. I
needed to get rid of it.
The forest was huge and dense - it would take me a while to get to my
destination.
Manami... I could not stop thinking of her. Several days have passed since that
time in the training ground, but it felt like it happened just a few moments
ago. She was haunting me.
I kept thinking about her past as well. Hidden Storm Village... I am sure I
have heard about this village before in the academy. What happened to it? It
wasn't concerning me, so why it wouldn't get out of my mind? It annoyed me to
no end.
This village... It was attacked and burned down, as Manami said. But there was
something else about it. Something she did not mention to me. But I just
couldn't remember... I couldn't ignore the need to clear it up anymore. That's
why I was heading to the closest library to find my answers.
I gritted my teeth, feeling like an idiot again. Why I am wasting my time on
this? I should be training. I can't get distracted by such foolish things. I
can't get distracted by Manami. The only thing I should think of is Itachi.
A strong gust of wind suddenly hit my side. I watched as the trees around me
waved, letting out a loud roaring moan, which reminded me of the sea.
The next moment I witnessed the fall of a huge willow right beside me. It was
enormous, it looked like it could never be touched, but today became its final
day.
I continued my trip.
Hidden Storm Village...
The horizon became blurry as rain and wind mixed with each other. It was
difficult to see. I jumped to the side quickly as a thick branch came my way,
threatening to hit me, but I was faster than that.
The forest was becoming thin. I was finally making my way out of it.
Hidden Storm Village... What was it hiding? What really happened to it? I need
to find out.
* Manami's P.O.V *
I knocked a couple of times on the door softly, feeling my heart breaking out
of my chest.
Finally I can see Orochimaru-sama, however... Kabuto told me he is not feeling
too well. It seems like his vessel is getting worn out. He will have to replace
it soon. That means that...
"Come in."
I shivered at these words, I don't know why. My master's voice was so deep...
I pushed the door slowly, entering his room for the first time. The first thing
I noticed was Orochimaru-sama's bed, covered in white sheets. He was sitting
there, leaning against the wall, his head turned to the side, so all I could
see was his midnight black hair.
I held my breath and looked around. The room looked different than mine. It
wasn't big, but it somehow felt more cozy. Instead of harsh stone, the walls
were covered in dark brown wood. With candles illuminating them, they looked
somehow warm.
There was a painting above my master's bed. Or more like a writing. It was a
simple white rectangular paper with calligraphy on it. It was made in a very
neat, elegant way. Before I could read it, I heard my master's voice again.
"Come closer," he whispered and I gazed at him.
Orochimaru-sama looked weaker than usual. His skin was covered in sweat, his
eyes didn't look as bright as usual, but he still made my heart freeze in my
chest with his single glance.
I took a few steps forward as he eyed me down, a wide smirk playing on his
lips. He watched my every move as I came closer to his bed and to his side.
"Orochimaru-sama..." I whispered, feeling my cheeks blush as he still kept his
mesmerizing eyes on me.
They were pulling me in...
My master touched my hand, sending waves of heat through my body. He pulled me
closer to him and I felt his warm, steady breathing. It was so calming... My
mind became dizzy and I had to lean my free hand against the side of the bed,
so I wouldn't fall.
"I missed you," Orochimaru-sama uttered to me, his voice lower than usual.
I was shocked as he embraced me suddenly, bringing me to his pale chest,
trapping my body against his in a firm hold. His silky hair covered my left
shoulder as he buried his face in my neck. His lips were brushing against my
skin, freezing the time and melting my heart.
I was just sitting here, inhaling Orochimaru-sama's alluring scent, feeling the
heat of his body, his strong arms around me. I closed my eyes. He felt so
good... It seemed like if he pulls me even tighter, I would disappear, our
bodies would join each other and I would become a part of him. I wouldn't even
mind. I want to be a part of him... I want to be with my master forever.
His lips pressed against my neck harder as he started kissing me softly. I must
be in heaven. I moaned quietly as his smooth lips slid to the front of my neck,
then up to my chin. He kissed the corners of my mouth, then gently pulled on my
lips, licking them with his tongue. I moaned again.
A few moment later he was already in my mouth, licking and sucking my tongue
carefully, getting more and more intense with each moment, making me crave for
more. I brought my arms around his neck and our kiss deepened. He groaned
silently and grabbed me harder, as I could feel the lust overtaking his body.
He tasted so sweet, sweeter than anything else I have ever tried.
I could only whimper in displeasure as Orochimaru-sama pulled away suddenly,
brought a handkerchief to his mouth and coughed a few times. He wasn't feeling
good at all.
I know I should get used to this - not like it was the first time Orochimaru-
sama was in such a condition. However, I couldn't help but get worried. I
wanted this to pass as quickly as possible. I didn't like seeing him so weak.
"You don't need to worry, Manami-chan," my master smirked at me, brushing a
strand of hair away from my face. "Soon I will be stronger than ever before."
I stared into his eyes, drowning into them more and more.
It was silent for a while, he was stroking my hair. It felt soothing. I felt so
safe in his arms. There wasn't a safer place in this world...
"Get better soon, Orochimaru-sama..." I whispered, leaning my head against his
chest, inhaling his scent again.
I felt so sleepy suddenly...
"You won't have to wait for a long time, my dear," my master uttered and
chuckled quietly.
I could sense the pride and excitement in his voice.
"Sasuke-kun will soon be mine."
Something inside me turned over. I felt like I just swallowed a stone.
Sasuke... He's just a vessel after all... He will disappear. He will be a part
of Orochimaru-sama. I don't know why this made me feel... Uneasy.
I heard a few knocks on the door.
"Come in, Kabuto," Orochimaru-sama uttered.
I tried to pull myself back from my master - I still felt slightly weird when
we were being intimate with somebody else around. However, he put his arm
around me, holding me in place. I felt my cheeks getting red.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto spoke out. "I brought you
your medicine."
"Put it on the table and leave," Orochimaru replied, pulling my head to his
chest tighter. "I'm busy now."
"As you wish, Orochimaru-sama."
I could almost hear Kabuto smirk over there. After a few moment he left the
room, silently closing the door behind him.
Orochimaru pulled the bed sheets back, patting the place beside him.
I gazed at him, surprised, and he only smirked. His sharp eyes glistened in the
candle light.
"Stay with me tonight, Manami-chan."
My heart quivered after such words and I smiled, happily slipping in beside
him.
"You are mine," he whispered, pulling me into a tight embrace.
His body covered mine and I let out a deep, relieved sigh.
His hair was tickling my neck again. It made me squirm slightly, a light smile
playing on my lips. It felt so comfortable... Before I noticed it, I fell into
a deep, sweet sleep. If it meant that I would never have to leave Orochimaru-
sama's side, I could stay asleep forever...
* Sasuke's P.O.V *
I opened a heavy book I managed to find after about an hour of searching. The
title said "Following the Traces of The Lost Villages". There must be something
about Hidden Storm Village.
I was right. It did not take long to find the seventh chapter which said
"Hidden Storm Village". However, it was really short, barely half of the page.
I started reading it.
"Hidden Storm Village was attacked and burned for unknown reasons..." I
continued reading.
After all, I was right. It's exactly as I suspected.
I narrowed my eyes, feeling the rage build up under my skin.
I will make him suffer for this.
I ripped the page off the book, shoved it to my pocket and quickly left the
library.
My mind was completely dark. I could barely see in front of me.
Soon... Soon everyone will pay.
***** Flavors *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
Auch!
I cursed to myself silently - I just cut my index finger by accident while
cutting a carrot. So clumsy! Before my blood dripped on the vegetables, I
quickly used my other hand to heal the wound.
I brought the hand to my face and stared at it for a moment - it was all good
now. Great. I can continue my work.
The water in the pot was almost boiling, and I still had some things to do -
cutting a couple of potatoes and a bit of leek. I should hurry up.
As soon as I started digging into the cooking process again, Kabuto showed up
in the kitchen, making me frown. The last person I wanted to interfere me right
now was him... Well, except for Uchiha. Yeah, he was even worse.
"Oh, Manami-chan! What are you doing?" He smirked at me the moment he saw me.
I glared at him as he tried to sneak a peek at the pot, but I pushed him to the
side.
"Go away, Kabuto! I am busy right now."
He quickly scanned the kitchen table - it was a complete mess. Of course, that
made him smirk even wider. Such a jerk...
"I see you are doing well," he snickered, grabbing an apple from nearby and
digging his teeth into it.
"What are you doing?! Don't touch it!" I scolded at him, snatching it from his
fingers and inspecting it suspiciously.
Wonderful... I won't be able to use it anymore. It's covered in Kabuto's
saliva! That's disgusting!
"Why are you so mean, Manami-chan?" Kabuto frowned dramatically.
I snorted and threw the apple back at him, which he barely caught.
"Whatever, you made it useless. You can keep it."
I cursed to myself again as the boiling water splashed on my hand accidentally.
I put the pieces of vegetables there. At least now it's almost done. I just
have to wait for it to cook.
"So, who are you cooking for? For yourself? Or maybe for me?"
I rolled my eyes at Kabuto.
"You wish, idiot. I'm cooking for Orochimaru-sama."
Kabuto chuckled like an asshole again.
"Well, isn't that sweet. Good luck with that," he winked at me, taking another
bite of the pure red apple.
We never had worry about cooking. Usually someone would bring the meals to the
hideout from outside, the nearest village. This is usually done by one of
Orochimaru-sama's servants. However, there was a small, simple kitchen. It was
pretty dark, well, because it was a cave, so I brought extra candles. We had
some basic foodstuffs here, so we could cook for ourselves. Kabuto sometimes
cooked for me and Orochimaru-sama, and Sasuke... Well, I don't know. I never
saw him eat.
"This needs a bit more salt," Kabuto commented after tasting the soup I was
cooking.
I watched as he sprinkled some salt into it carefully and stirred it a few
times. Well, I had to trust him...
"Thanks, I guess," I muttered and took the apples.
It was time to peel them now.
"What are those for?" Kabuto wondered, stroking his chin in thought.
I let out a deep sigh. I guess there was no way to get rid of him now.
"I want to bake an apple pie as well."
"All for Orochimaru-sama? Manami-chan..." Kabuto continued to tease me. "You
are growing up so fast."
"Whatever, now get out," I mumbled, rolling my eyes at him again.
Such an idiot...
"I could help you if you stop being a brat, you just need to ask me nicely."
"Stop getting on my nerves, Kabuto. I don't have time for that."
"As you wish," Kabuto replied carelessly, throwing the apple's remains to the
trash can.
He was about to leave the kitchen.
I frowned to myself. Actually, Kabuto's help would be pretty useful... It's
already almost eight, and Orochimaru-sama still hasn't eaten his dinner. I need
to hurry up.
"Wait, Kabuto..."
The gray-haired ninja turned to me with an evil smirk on his face.
"Can you lend me a hand, please...?"
He let out his annoying chuckle again and nodded, grabbing a knife from the
table and turning it around in his hand.
"When you ask so nicely, I cannot refuse. Let's get to work, shall we?"
I intensively nodded, feeling a light smile creep up to my face.
"It looks delicious, Manami-chan. Great job," Kabuto praised my work, well,
more like our work, as we both stared at the silver tray with a steamy bowl of
vegetable soup and a neat slice of apple pie placed on it.
To be honest, it looked pretty yummy. I could feel the nice aroma coming from
the food and it made me kind of hungry myself. But first I wanted to please
Orochimaru-sama. That was the most important thing.
"Thank you, you helped a lot actually," I glanced at Kabuto, giving him a shy
smile. "I will take this to Orochimaru-sama, then."
"I'm sure he will be pleased with your effort."
I smiled again, taking the tray to my hands and making my way to the door.
It was pretty heavy... I felt my forehead sweat as the clay bowl quivered,
making the soup wave inside it. The last thing I need know is to drop the tray
to the ground. Don't ruin it, Manami-chan...
Please, just this one time, don't be clumsy...
"Orochimaru-sama, can I come in?" I asked quietly as I approached my master's
room.
My both hands were busy so I couldn't knock on the door.
"Yes, Manami-chan," Orochimaru-sama's voice echoed, making me shiver, like
always.
I took a deep breath and bent down slightly, so my elbow could push the door
handle. Luckily, it opened at the first try.
I stepped into the room slowly, staring at the tray, trying to be as careful as
possible. I could feel my master's eyes on me.
"Orochimaru-sama... This is for you," I mumbled like a fool, feeling my cheeks
blush.
I must look so stupid... I hope he doesn't think I am acting like an idiot.
What if he doesn't even like my cooking? I should have tried out the food
before giving it to him. Now it's too late... What if I messed up?
"How kind of you, my dear," Orochimaru-sama spoke out. "Come closer."
I glanced at him, and he had a smirk on his pale face. He looked so handsome...
Seems like today he was feeling a bit better. This made me happy.
I approached him slowly and put the tray on the bedside table. Finally... I got
rid of it. I felt like a heavy burden got away from my shoulders.
Orochimaru-sama leaned his back against the wall and got more comfortable.
"Did you make this?" He asked me calmly, eying the food I've brought to him.
I couldn't read his expression at all.
"Yes," I replied silently, feeling my heart pick up the pace.
"I'm excited to try it, then."
I watched as he picked up the bowl of soup, bringing it closer to his face. He
is about to taste it... Oh dear... Why is he taking so long? The spoon was
getting closer to his mouth so slowly... This was making me sweat nervously. My
heart was about to explode.
"Mmm, it's delicious, Manami-chan," Orochimaru-sama smirked, making me sigh in
relief.
I smiled and sat down beside my master, watching him eat. I hope I was not
being creepy... But he looked so good, even when he was merely eating. I could
not take my eyes away from him. It wasn't often that I saw Orochimaru-sama
eat... So handsome...
"What's wrong, dear?" He chuckled at me, giving me a playful smirk. "You look
hungry."
His eyes glistened at me dangerously and I blushed again.
"Everything is f-fine, Orochimaru-sama... Please, try the dessert as well," I
uttered when I noticed his bowl was already empty.
He nodded calmly and took the plate into his hands. He seemed to enjoyed this
as well, too. He took his time, savoring the taste of the apple pie, well, at
least so it seemed to me.
"I did not know you can cook so well, darling," Orochimaru-sama hissed after
finishing his dinner.
I gasped as he suddenly took my hand in his and brought it closer to his face.
I could feel my face getting really red.
Our eyes met. His snake-like orbs pierced my soul, capturing it in an iron
grasp.
"When I marry you, you are going to be a great wife," Orochimaru-sama whispered
and pressed my hand against his lips, kissing it lightly.
My heart dropped to my knees. Me, Orochimaru-sama's wife? Will he... Will he
marry me?
I gazed at his face. His eyes were closed. He looked pretty peaceful, which was
quite a rare sight. But his eyes shot open, and a so familiar dark smirk made
its way to his pale lips. He eyed me again, scanning my whole body. I could see
his eyes stop at my chest for a second, then go up to my face. It felt like he
wasn't just looking at me, he was touching me... His orbs were... So alive...
"Orochimaru-s-sama..."
This was the only thing I could utter out, as my master was taking over me.
Orochimaru-sama chuckled slightly and let my hand go.
"My Manami-chan... I need to rest tonight," he spoke to me and quickly noticed
my disappointed expression. "But do not worry, dear. We will see each other
again soon. Very soon."
I sighed. I kind of expected him to ask me to stay with him over the night, but
I guess I was being selfish... After all, he was sick...
"As you say, Orochimaru-sama," I said, getting up from the bed and taking the
tray with empty dishes to my hands. "Rest well and have a good night."
I made my way towards the door. The tray felt much lighter now. My hands
weren't shaking anymore.
"Manami-chan."
I stopped as soon as he uttered my name, I stopped dead in my tracks.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama?"
"Sasuke-kun... He will be mine after three days."
I felt my throat shrink as he said those words. Sasuke...
He will be a part of Orochimaru-sama. He will be... Gone.
"I am really happy to hear that, Orochimaru-sama," I turned my head over my
shoulder and glanced at my master.
He was smirking. I forced a smile upon my face.
"Good night," I said quietly and left his room.
The empty bowl and the plate touched and made a clinky sound. My hands were
trembling slightly again.
***** Pouring *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
I picked up my last shuriken and put it back to my pouch. My training for today
was over.
I left the training ground, still panting heavily. Today most of the time I was
practicing my combat skills, and that, actually, exhausted me a lot. I think
this is my weakest spot - I can't fight well without my ninja weapons. That's
why I needed to work really hard on it.
Today the cave was especially silent. So silent, that it seemed a bit odd.
I made my way through the halls. My slow steps were echoing. And that was the
only sound I could hear.
I couldn't stop thinking about what Orochimaru-sama has said a couple of days
ago. He is going to make Sasuke his vessel after three days.
That means... Tomorrow. I can't believe that.
Why does this make me feel so strange? I saw this coming. I knew this was going
to happen from the very beginning. But still...
I stopped suddenly and gazed around. Everything looked like it was frozen. The
flames of the candles on the walls - they were not moving at all. I took a deep
breath.
So quiet... Strangely quiet.
I closed my eyes and opened them a few seconds later. Something was stuck in my
throat, or maybe in my chest. It did not want to leave my body. It refused to
get out.
I started to walk again.
Suddenly my attention was caught by a strange quick noise. This was definitely
something in the hideout - I felt it somewhere close to me. It sounded like a
crash, at least I think so. It was very abrupt and lasted just for a second or
two.
I stopped walking. My body shivered. What is going on? What is this sound?
Silence engulfed me again and it seemed like nothing happened at all. I
listened a bit more. Still nothing. Maybe it was my imagination...?
I took a few steps, but stopped again. No, something is off. Something is not
right...
Wait... I think this sound came from Orochimaru-sama's room, or at least from
that direction. What happened? I felt my heartbeat getting faster.
This is probably nothing important. Maybe something fell to the ground or
Kabuto was doing something...
Orochimaru-sama... I hope he is alright.
No, I must check what happened.
I quickly made my way towards the direction I heard the sound coming from. My
face was still sweaty from the training. I felt so exhausted just a few minutes
ago, but now I suddenly felt energetic again.
Why... Why I was so worried?
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
The door exploded to a thousand pieces and fell over the ground, making a loud
noise.
Here he was. Orochimaru.
Looking more pitiful than ever before.
I stared at him as he crossed his arms in front of himself, blocking my chakra
flow. There was sweat running over his disgustingly pale skin. He was so weak,
he could not even get up from the bed.
Such a shame. This won't take any effort.
"As expected, it came down to this, after all." Orochimaru hissed at me, eyeing
me intently.
"You have nothing more to teach me." I replied, feeling the curse mark spread
over my skin. "It seems that while standing before you... I can become
heartless."
Orochimaru's eyes widened. I could see his orbs trembling very slightly.
I took a few steps forward, pushing my shaped chakra stream against him.
Orochimaru tightened his block, but it was useless. Both of his arms were
pierced and started dripping with blood, some of it getting on his face as
well. My chakra went straight through his skin.
He managed to move his arms to the side and that saved his head from getting
stabbed. My chakra pushed against the wall instead.
"Orochimaru, you're weaker than me. There's no point in giving you my body at
this point."
"Big words for a mere Uchiha hatchling!" He shouted, only making me smirk.
What a pathetic creature squirming before his end.
"If I wasn't a hatchling, I never would have sought you out, right?" I
answered. "You... During our fight in the forest of the Chuunin Exam, you were
repulsively evaluating the worth of this hatchling. And so you put your mark on
me. Then you sent those guys to restrain me."
I continued to stare at Orochimaru, but he did not say a word. His whole body
was shivering now.
"I am an avenger. In order to exact my revenge, I thought discarding this body
would be fine. You only wanted the Sharingan, right?" I continued. "However,
Itachi was too much for you. That's why you targeted me, the hatchling. Is that
right? Mister "Genius of the Reputed Sannin". Perhaps the world did consider
you a genius, but you could never reach the level of an Uchiha."
I could feel the power flow through my veins.
"No matter how much of a genius someone is, they're nothing but mediocre in
front of the name "Uchiha"." I narrowed my eyes. "You've even drugged and
transferred your own body. Before my eyes, your methods of obtaining the power
of an Uchiha are laughable at best. Also, I dislike your methods. What is your
goal? After we transferred to a new hideout, you repeatedly continued to
experiment."
My chest was burning with abomination for him.
"You've been toying with life after life. To reveal and divulge in the truth of
this world or whatever, for your own selfish reasons, you view people as toys
and continue to play with them."
I concentrated my chakra into my hand.
"You disgust me!"
I jumped on Orochimaru's bed, my chakra stream still piercing through his arms.
I was about to ram my sword down his throat, when suddenly something came
flying from his mouth and knocked out my sword.
I glanced around as a hundred of white snakes surrounded us suddenly. They
moved and formed one giant snake which had a disgusting, freaky head which
resembled Orochimaru. It reminded me of a mask.
"A white-scaled serpent. So this is your true form." I smirked. "In order to
transfer from body to body, you've repeatedly experimented, and in the end,
this is how you turned out?"
"Now, Sasuke-kun... I'll have that body of yours!" Orochimaru hissed, his mouth
wide open and dripping with spit.
It was disgusting.
He launched an attack against me, but I jumped into the air and dodged it.
I took out my sword ant pointed it at the massive serpent coiling in front of
me.
Farewell, Orochimaru.
* Manami's P.O.V *
It felt like my steps are taking the whole eternity. My mind was somehow blank
- I couldn't think about anything, I just wanted to find out what made that
noise as soon as possible.
I had a bad feeling... I could not explain it.
I tried to swallow it and started running faster. Damn it, was Orochimaru-
sama's room always that far away?
Wait... I think I might be going the wrong way.
I cursed to myself and turned around quickly. I should have taken the third
turn, not the second. This stupid hideout... Why does it have to be so tricky?
I should hurry up. It's silent now, but at the same time I think I can hear
something echoing... Or is it just my imagination? I hope I am wrong and
nothing serious is happening after all.
I finally reached the place where Orochimaru-sama's room was. I felt somehow
surprised to find Kabuto and Sasuke here. Kabuto was standing and facing the
door of Orochimaru-sama's room, while Sasuke was facing me, he looked like he
was walking away.
"Kabuto! Sasuke! Did you hear that noise?" I quickly asked them.
Yes, they probably came here because of that.
Sasuke stared at me blankly, emotionless expression, like always. But...
I glanced at Kabuto. He was staring at me in an odd way.
None of them replied a word to me. That's strange... What the hell is going on?
"Where is Orochimaru-sama? Is he fine?" I asked again and took a few steps
forwards.
"Stay back, Manami-chan," Kabuto ordered me.
His voice sounded deadly. I have never seen him being so serious before. I
stopped dead in my tracks.
"Kabuto...?" I muttered and glanced at Sasuke.
He did not move. His eyes were fixed on me. I could not understand him... I
could not read his expression at all.
"Which one are you?" Kabuto spoke out and glared at Sasuke.
Huh? What does he mean?
Wait... Could it be...
My eyes widened and I took a step back. Could it be that... No, no... It can't
be.
I stared at Sasuke again. He looked the same way as usual. Could it be that...
It's not Sasuke anymore?
My body shivered.
I could only watch in awe as Sasuke slowly turned his head to Kabuto.
"Which one do you think?" He uttered.
Kabuto's body froze suddenly. His face soon was covered by small drops of
sweat. I could not see what was happening exactly, but Kabuto's eyes became
wide open when Sasuke faced him. He stayed like that, as if he was hypnotized,
for a few moments.
I can't understand... What's going on...? Where is Orochimaru-sama...? All I
could feel was confusion. I kept glancing between Kabuto and Sasuke, unable to
comprehend anything.
"Orochimaru-sama is dead?!"
My heart stopped beating the same moment Kabuto spoke out these words.
Orochimaru-sama? Dead? That's impossible...
"No... Not like this." Kabuto whispered.
His voice was shaky. His voice... It kept ringing in my head. It sounded so
loud.
"I've consumed him completely." Sasuke uttered, his voice so calm and smooth,
as if nothing happened.
I could hear him smirking. I could feel him...
Sasuke... Orochimaru-sama... It can't be...
I glanced at Kabuto again, but he stayed silent. He did not reply anything. His
body... It was shivering, very slightly.
My head was exploding. Orochimaru-sama... This must be a mistake. Or a dream...
No, a nightmare. Orochimaru-sama can't be defeated. Sasuke is just a vessel...
"Stop it, both of you," I spoke out quietly.
Something else was taking a hold of me.
"Where is Orochimaru-sama?" I asked again.
I could not see anything. This cave... It was colder than ever before. It was
freezing. What was happening? I don't know.
I tried to focus my eyes on the door leading to my master's room. There wasn't
a single sound coming from it. I wanted to check it out, but my body refused to
move. It was as if my brain stopped functioning. My heart... It did not even
exist in my chest.
Kabuto and Sasuke finally noticed that I was here. I could feel their eyes on
me.
"Don't come near him, Manami-chan." Kabuto uttered while staring at me.
"Orochimaru-sama is... Dead."
He tried to take a few steps towards me, but Sasuke's sword blocked him -
Sasuke pulled it out and pointed it at him. Kabuto didn't oppose.
Sasuke slowly turned to me.
My body was shivering and my mind was going black. I reached out for my pouch.
I'm going to kill him.
I jumped to Sasuke, a kunai was firmly clutched in my right hand. I never felt
so much energy in me before.
Orochimaru-sama...
My eyes felt strange. I could feel something wet forming at the corners of
them. It was burning my skin...
"Sasuke..." I whispered, attacking him with an intention to kill. "I will make
you pay... I will kill you."
Sasuke's face kept unfazed, he just stood there in place, as if expecting me to
come at him.
I gritted my teeth, feeling tears roll down my cheeks.
Sasuke...
Orochimaru-sama... He is dead...
The time around me stopped. Everything was like in slow motion. I aimed for
Sasuke's neck, but he moved to the side, making me plunge my kunai into the
ground instead.
"Idiot."
"Shut up!" I yelled at Sasuke, quickly taking the kunai out from the ground. "I
am going to kill you..."
I attacked him again.
Everything around us became blurred. Kabuto said something, but I could not
hear.
I could see just Sasuke. His face, his pale skin. His emotionless eyes...
He was always like this. Always...
I can't stand him. I despise him. With all of my heart... I will destroy him.
"I hate you," I spat at at him, feeling the rage take over my body.
My eyes were betraying me. They were so wet now, I could barely see. There was
no time to wipe my tears away as I attacked Sasuke again, only to be thrown to
the ground harshly. I could feel my back come into contact with the ground, but
that was all I noticed. Whether it was hard, or cold... It did not matter. I
could not feel it.
Sasuke was throwing me around like an old toy. Here I was, lying on the ground
again.
"Give up already." Sasuke's voice rang somewhere.
I tried to get up, but it was becoming harder every time.
"Shut up, Uchiha..." I whispered. "Shut up and fight me."
"Stop, Manami-chan."
I glared at Kabuto. He was making me even more angry, just standing there, like
an idiot.
"Don't order me around, Kabuto. You should be fighting too. Stop being a
coward."
Sasuke chuckled at this and I glared at him now. There was a smirk on his face.
I tried to swallow the dark stone clogging my throat, but it was pointless.
Orochimaru-sama... He can't leave me.
I finally managed to sit up, leaning my hand against the wall slightly. My
breathing was heavy, it was difficult to control it.
Suddenly something glistened against my chin. Something long and sharp...
Something made of steel. It was Sasuke's sword.
I looked up only to see Sasuke in front of me. He was looking down at me.
Always looking down at me... Like I was nothing.
The tears streamed down my face, but I did not move my eyes away from him. This
time I won't lose. I can't lose. He will pay for killing Orochimaru-sama.
"You are starting to annoy me, Manami," Sasuke spoke out. "Perhaps I should
just kill you as well."
My eyes got somehow fixed on his sword. It was so shiny, so clean. It did not
look like it was spilling Orochimaru-sama's blood just a couple of moment ago.
I could not control myself. My hand gripped Sasuke's sword, right at the very
tip which was pointed at my neck. I stared at my hand which was slowly becoming
crimson. The liquid was leaking down my wrist. Yet, I could not feel anything.
No pain, nothing at all.
Just Orochimaru-sama.
"I want to see you try," I spat at Sasuke, feeling my eyelids getting heavy.
"Uchiha, I will make you pay."
I moved my eyes away from my bloody hand to him. His face... His red eyes...
Everything was becoming more and more blurry, at the speed of light. Only his
Sharingan orbs... They were somehow not moving at all.
"I hate you, Sasuke Uchiha."
Right after these words, everything around me fell into complete darkness.
** Kabuto's P.O.V **
I watched and could not believe - Manami-chan was trying to fight Sasuke. Of
course, it was pitiful to watch. He was pointing his sword at her - she was
about to get killed.
To my surprise, Manami-chan's eyes suddenly closed and she fell to the ground.
Sasuke did not stab her or anything, it looked like she fell asleep.
I glanced at Sasuke - his Sharingan was fixed on her for a while. So, it was
his work.
I didn't say a word as Sasuke put his sword away calmly. He stared at Manami-
chan for a bit longer, then reached out to her, grasped her small waist and
lifted her up.
Manami-chan's kunai was released from her pale hand and fell to the ground will
a silent clang.
Sasuke threw the girl over his shoulder and turned away from me without another
word. Manami-chan's hand was bleeding slightly. The crimson liquid was staining
Sasuke's white shirt. After all, I was right.
He started to walk away.
Everything became deadly silent.
* Don't worry, Oro fans! This is not the end yet! Not at all... :3This story is
going to end soon, however... There will be a sequel! *
***** Midnight *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
I woke up. But my eyes did not open.
There was a really pleasant smell... It reminded me of fresh, newly washed
towels. It was soft.
I wonder, can Orochimaru-sama smell this as well? I should see him. I want to
see him so bad...
I still didn't open my eyes. My head was aching more and more with every
second. I could not remember what happened.
Stony walls of the hideout... Flame of the candles... Kabuto...
Sasuke and Orochimaru-sama...
Orochimaru-sama... He... He is gone.
My eyes shot open at this thought. I lifted my head slowly and looked around .
My eyes... They were blinded by the light of this place. Where am I?
I was sitting on the softly brownish, wooden floor. It was a small room which
looked nothing like the hideout. There were two huge windows in the wall on my
right, however, it was dark outside, so I could not see anything. I looked
away. The walls were painted with warm, creamy color. They were lit by small
circular lamps hanging on them. The room was pretty bright, at least for my
eyes.
I gazed around till my eyes stopped on the person in front of me.
Sasuke.
He stared at me calmly. He was here, right across me, sitting on the floor and
watching me.
My headache intensified. What happened? Why I am here?
Orochimaru-sama...
Sasuke... Sasuke killed him.
As soon as I realized it, my heart dropped to my knees. I glared at Sasuke, who
was so emotionless, as if nothing happened.
I will kill him...
My eyes began to sting, but I ignored it. I quickly glanced to my right leg -
yes, my ninja pouch was still here. I will kill Sasuke now. I will avenge
Orochimaru-sama.
I tried to reach for my kunai only to realize that I couldn't move my hands at
all. I looked down - they were tied together with a rope. That bastard... I
tried to break free, but it was pointless - my hands felt as if they were glued
together. The rope was very tight.
I glared at Sasuke again, who looked kind of relaxed.
Something started to devour me from the inside. Uchiha... He took away
everything I had.
He took away my most precious thing.
Before I could realize it, tears were streaming down my face. I couldn't hold
them back anymore.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
It was just a couple of hours after I've brought Manami here and she woke up.
As I expected, the first thing she wanted to do after waking up was to kill me.
I had no time for that.
My eyes were fixed on her. She was glaring daggers at me and trying to untie
herself unsuccessfully. Her purple eyes, usually so bright and intense, were
dark now and stained with tears. Her face was pale and looked exhausted,
however, I could see the hate and confusion written over her soft features.
If she could, she would kill me instantly now. She had it - the intention to
kill.
"I h-hate you, S-Sasuke Uchiha..." Manami spat at me, her voice was cracking.
"Untie me now and... And I will k-kill you with my own hands..."
"I will do that soon." I replied and got up from the floor.
I took a few steps towards her - her glare intensified.
Manami looked so helpless and weak. Her pony tail, which she usually wore while
she was training, was messy now - the strands of her raven black hair were all
over her face and shoulders. Her arms were bruised slightly. Her face was
flowing with tears which she tried to swallow, but more of them were coming
out. At this moment, she looked pathetic.
Yet, at the same time, there is no single thing that I would rather look at
right now.
** Manami's P.O.V **
He must be mocking me... Does this make him happy, too see me destroyed like
that? Is this what he wanted?
I could feel the energy leave me. I stopped moving around - it was pointless. I
depended on Sasuke now, no matter how much I hated that.
"Why didn't you kill me?" I asked him, glaring at him again. "Why? Why did you
let me stay alive? I don-"
"Shut up," Sasuke spoke out.
I gritted my teeth, but did not say a word. He closed his eyes for a second and
opened them again. His face looked like it was frozen - there was nothing in
it. Or at least I could not see.
I couldn't understand what he wanted from me. Why are we here? What are we
waiting for? I glanced around the room, but there was nobody else here. I
noticed Sasuke's sword, which was resting against the wall.
"Manami."
I looked at Sasuke.
"Orochimaru was deceiving you this whole time."
His voice was low and smooth - it made me feel strange.
"What are you talking about?" I asked calmly.
He stayed silent for a few seconds.
"Do you know what really happened to your village?"
I narrowed my eyes at him. What is this bullshit? What does it have to do with
Orochimaru-sama?
"I know. How does that concern you?"
Sasuke glared at me coldly. His eyes looked stern now. What is he blabbering
about?
"Idiot... If you knew, then how could you stay with the murderer of your own
family?"
I didn't know what to say. My mind was not ready for this nonsense coming from
Uchiha's mouth.
"I have no idea what you are talking about, Sasuke. And I really don't care."
Before I realized it, my back hit something harshly - Sasuke grabbed my
shoulders and shoved me against the wall, making me wince in pain.
What the hell does he want from me...?
I opened my eyes to see Sasuke's face right in front of him - I rarely see him
looking that pissed. I glared back at him.
"I had enough of your nonsense. Untie me now," I uttered. "I want to fight you
right now."
"You're irritating me to no end, Manami." Sasuke whispered dangerously, his
onyx black eyes piercing down to the very end of my brain. "You make me regret
my choice to let you stay alive."
"That was a horrible choice, Uchiha," I answered, feeling my throat getting
heavy.
I blinked a few times to get my tears away.
Sasuke got up and glared at me again. I watched as he put his hand inside his
shirt, as if he was looking for something. A few moments later he really took
something out. I stared at it - it looked like a piece of paper or something
like that. I blinked as Sasuke threw that thing at me and I barely managed to
catch it with my still tied up hands. It was a piece of paper, I was right. It
was slightly brown and folded four times, so I couldn't make out anything
written in it.
"What is this?" I asked him, unable to understand what was going on at all.
Sasuke ignored me - I watched him back away and leave the room through the
wooden door across me, shutting it behind him.
Now I was completely alone. The piece of paper in my hands was the only thing
making any sound - it rustled quietly while I was feeling it between my
fingers. The surface of it was very soft and smooth. It felt nice against my
skin.
My mind was blank. I unfolded the paper, only to see something written on it in
a neat way. The letters were small, but easy to read. I had no other choice,
but to start reading.
Hidden Storm Village
Hidden Storm Village was attacked and burned for unknown reasons.
Confirmed survivors - none.
The main suspect - Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannins from the Hidden
Leaf Village, and his followers. Their identities are unknown.
Two witnesses from the closest neighbouring Hidden Frost Village claimed that
the news about the destruction of Hidden Storm Village reached them only two
hours later due to the complicated access to the Hidden Storm Village - it was
surrounded by dense woods.
The trees surrounding the village were set on fire and used as a barrier to
prevent the residents from escaping. This was later confirmed by Hidden Frost
Village officers.
Prior to the tragedy, Hidden Storm Village was known for farming and trade
activities.
After the tragedy, Hidden Storm Village was officially removed from the maps.
I dropped the paper to the ground.
A slight smile reached my cracked lips.
Orochimaru-sama would never do that. He wouldn't do that to me.
I leaned back against the wall. The air in the room became so thick that I had
a hard time breathing. The thin curtain on the window wavered.
Orochimaru-sama didn't do that. I don't believe this. Uchiha made it up.
But why was Orochimaru-sama there on that fateful day? Don't tell me you never
wondered, Manami.
He told me why. He told me... He had things to do.
My body trembled and I cowered.
He would never do that. He is not like that. He couldn't...
Don't fool yourself, Manami. You know about the things he used to do. Why do
you think that he couldn't...?
"No, no."
It was my own whisper ringing in the empty room. My head felt like it was being
thrown around like a ball.
I sat like this, and it felt eternity. The creamy walls did not look that
bright anymore. They became dark, soiled and greasy. They were burned to the
ground.
Before I could notice it, my shirt became wet from the salty liquid.
I was all alone, from the very beginning. There is no reason for me to be.
Orochimaru... Sama... You told me to never betray you, then why... Why were you
the one to betray me?
I don't know how, but I managed to rip apart the ropes holding my hands
together.
There was nothing in my mind anymore. What could be there?
I should have never survived. I don't belong here. I don't exist.
A salty drop touched my lips and finally I was able to brush it away with my
hand.
I quickly reached for my pouch. My eyes landed on it and I froze for a second -
I still remember that day when I got my ninja weapons. Kabuto gave them to me
when I was eight or nine, I think. I pleaded for them million times. Orochimaru
finally agreed to let me have them. I was so proud. I wanted to get strong.
And here, look at me now... I smiled to myself sadly. I am the most useless
thing one could think of. Thankfully, it was about to end.
There is no reason anymore.
I slowly took out a kunai with my trembling hands. Only now I noticed that one
of my hands was bandaged - I instantly remembered what happened. Sasuke's
sword...
I glanced at it one last time. It looked peaceful in the corner. It looked
calm. The more I looked at it, the more calm I felt. But there was no time to
stare at it.
I grasped the kunai tightly and analyzed it in my hand. I brushed my index
finger of my other hand against the edge - it felt cold and smooth.
I pointed the thing against my stomach. No.
I lifted it up against my neck. That was it. That was the end for me. Not the
way I imagined it.
One last breath and I am gone. It should have happened long ago, how did I make
it to this day?
The sharp steel touched the skin of my neck. I shivered from the sensation.
I closed my eyes. They say that your whole life passes by in front of you
during such moments. But there was nothing I wanted to remember of this pitiful
life I was leading. Deceived... Blind... And foolish.
Three.
Two.
One.
***** Dawn *****
** Manami's P.O.V **
Nothing came after that. There was no pain or darkness. I was still here.
"What do you think you are doing?"
I released the kunai from my hand and it fell to the ground harshly, making my
heart beat rapidly. I opened my eyes.
His pale, smooth features... They looked sharp.
My head felt so light, all the headache vanished suddenly. As if a wave washed
it away...
"Sasuke..."
I looked down to see him grasping my wrist tightly. It did not hurt at all.
He stood up and I gazed at him again. Our eyes met. It was not a fair battle
because his black orbs absorbed mine in a second.
At that moment, I could not help but compare Sasuke to... Him. Reaching his
hand out for me. Devouring me with his eyes... Making me feel helpless.
I was helpless.
** Sasuke's P.O.V **
The way she looked at me... I could not compare it to anything else. It seemed
like her eyes were made of the finest glass. They were shining in the soft room
light. If something was to touch them, they would break into a million pieces.
Her slightly parted lips... They have lost their warm pink color. It just faded
away. Nevertheless, I still couldn't take my eyes away from them. They looked
soft. I wanted to feel them.
Manami lowered her head and brought her knees against her chest. She looked
like a small ball now.
"Why didn't you kill me?"
Her voice was silent and trembling. I took a deep breath and turned away from
her.
"My purpose was to kill Orochimaru. You had nothing to do with it."
I closed my eyes. Things weren't that simple. I don't know what's going on.
There were way too many questions that I couldn't answer when it came to her.
Manami stayed quiet for a few minutes. I turned my head back and glanced at her
- her face was buried in her lap. She wasn't making any sound at all. She was
asleep.
* Manami's P.O.V *
"Wake up."
I turned around instead, ignoring the voice that just rang somewhere beside me.
My mind dozed off again.
"Get up already, Manami. We are leaving now."
I didn't want to wake up.
My eyes opened very slightly, but I shut them again instantly - there was too
much light surrounding me, I couldn't see anything. Even with my eyes closed,
it was still so bright...
I tried to open them again - this time more successfully. I realized I was
sleeping on the floor. It did not feel like that, though. It felt like the most
comfortable bed in the world.
I groaned quietly - my head was stinging so bad... My body felt numb as well.
Somehow I managed to sit up, only to see Sasuke standing and looking down at me
with his hands crossed - he looked impatient. I gazed around - no, this wasn't
the hideout.
So none of this was a dream... Orochimaru... He is dead.
My left hand touched something smooth and I looked down - it was a piece of
paper.
This thing... I couldn't see the letters - the empty side of the paper was
facing me. Yet, I could feel every single word written in it. Every curve of
each letter... It was burned in my chest.
For a moment or two I was considering whether I should take it with me or not.
No, there is no need to take it with me. Not like I will ever forget it. I will
carry it inside me, forever.
I leaned my hand against the wall and managed to get up finally. I couldn't
help but clutch my head in pain - it was unbearable.
I noticed that there is another door in the room, most likely leading to the
bathroom.
I glanced at Sasuke, expecting him to say something about it.
"Alright, whatever. Just hurry up."
I nodded slowly and dragged my feet over there - well, this was the fastest I
could do, so it seems.
The first thing that caught my eyes was the mirror by the sink - I gazed at my
own reflection and my eyes widened.
No, this can't be me... My face looked horrible - my hair was a complete mess.
My eyes... They were red and swollen, not to mention the dark bags under them.
My skin looked white... I can't believe this is me.
I took a look at my clothes - I was still wearing my training outfit, a black
tank top and simple black pants, as well as sandals. Everything looked worn
out. I looked like a stray cat. This made me smile to myself sadly - I was
homeless after all. For a long time now... I just didn't know.
I wanted to take a shower, but seems like there was no time, so all I could do
was fix my hair. I let it go and brushed it with my fingertips - it still
looked miserable, but a bit neater, at least it appeared to me this way. I tied
it back to a ponytail.
When I returned to the room, Sasuke was leaning against the wall with his eyes
closed. He must be irritated with me.
As soon as he opened his eyes, we stared at each other for a while. He did not
seem that annoyed after all - his face was empty like usual.
I gazed around the room one last time and took a deep breath.
"So this is it, Sasuke." I uttered. "I guess I should... Thank you."
My voice sounded odd. It didn't ring the same way I was used to all my life.
Something was different.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at me, but stayed silent.
"Also... I am sorry."
Who could have thought that I would say these words to him one day... At least
not me. Everything seemed surreal.
"Goodbye, Sasu-"
"Where will you go? Idiot."
My eyes widened at his words. I glanced at him.
Where will I go? I don't know... I don't have anywhere to go.
"I am not sure..."
There was nobody waiting for me. I didn't even know anybody out there. Well,
besides Kabuto... But I did not feel like seeing him at all.
He must have known... He probably knew everything. Yet, he never told me. I
can't trust him...
What should I do from now on? I am nothing at all...
Sasuke pushed the door handle and it opened. I gazed at him.
He took a few steps, then stopped. After a few seconds, he turned to me.
"Are you going to stand there all day? I won't wait any longer."
My eyes widened. I stared at him like an idiot. What does he mean?
"Come with me," he spoke out, probably when he noticed my confused expression.
I felt my heart being swallowed by something strange again. Come with him...?
"But... Why?" I whispered.
Sasuke turned his head away, I could not see his face anymore.
"I don't even know myself."
I blinked a few times, even more confused now. Is he doing this out of pity? I
am worthless, there is no reason for him to need me. Yes, that must be it - I
look too pathetic. Even to Sasuke Uchiha. That made me sigh.
Coming with Sasuke... I probably did not have any other choice. Not like I had
anything to lose after all... I had nothing.
I took a deep breath and made my way towards Sasuke. He started walking and all
I could do was follow him.
We left the room and I closed the door behind me. The kunai from yesterday was
still lying on the floor, together with the piece of paper. Such small,
unexceptional thing destroyed everything I ever believed in.
I closed the door behind me, feeling more empty than ever before, with no one
to show me the way... He's not here anymore. And he will never come back.
Not like he ever needed me, after all.
I closed the door. What will happen from now on? I do not know.
* The End.Thank you, everyone! I hope you enjoyed it!"The Serpent's Lover" -
COMING SOON! *
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
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